The fourth batch of trainees of Newmont Goldcorp Akyem mine’s Learnership Training Programme have graduated. The graduation ceremony held at Akyem Abirim in the Eastern Region this week saw 18 youths from mining communities within the Newmont Goldcorp Akyem Mine operating enclave graduating.
Dr. Osenkor Gogo, Acting Communications and External Relations Manager of the Akyem mine, speaking at the ceremony said Newmont Goldcorp Ghana recognises capacity building as an effective avenue for developing talents to strengthen local economies.
“We believe that to create a sustainable future, we must invest in our people. In partnership with our stakeholders, the Akyem Mine will continue to prioritise skills development to create value for our communities and improve the lives of the youth.” She said.
The company, according to Dr. Gogo invested $7,200 on each trainee this year amounting to some $129,000.
Nana Kwasi Amo Kyeretwie I, Chief of Abirem, commended the company’s efforts to reduce youth unemployment in its host communities. “Since the mine began operations, the company has implemented several capacity building programmes to reduce youth unemployment, including the Learnership Training Programme.”He said.
“After the training, our youth are more competitive on the job market and some have gone on to gain employment with Newmont Goldcorp Ghana and other companies in the mining industry. This is a laudable programme and I believe a lot more can be achieved through further collaboration.” He added.
Learnership Training Programme
The Learnership Training Programme is one of the Akyem mine’s social responsibility efforts to promote local economic development.
It is a human development initiative aimed at providing unemployed youth in the Akyem mine communities with technical skills to expand their career options. The programme which began in November 2015, has trained 76 youth so far.
It is in line with the company’s strategy of contributing to the achievement of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal(SDG) of promoting decent work and economic growth for all by 2030.
