As part of efforts to grow small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) at Nkwanta, the Nkwanta South Business Advisory Centre (BAC), in collaboration with the National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI), has conducted proficiency tests for artisans.
The 53 artisans
drawn from five trades; carpentry and joinery, motor vehicle mechanics, small engine mechanics, hairdressing and welding, who participated in the examinations, were persons who had not undertaken any formal course of study but have acquired skills directly from workshops and desired to learn modern techniques to expand their businesses.
Further education
Successful candidates will receive an NVTI Proficiency One Certificate which will offer them opportunities to acquire further education, even to the advanced diploma level to sharpen their skills and also enable them to compete fairly in securing jobs in well-established organisations.
The essence of the initiative is to provide livelihood interventions that will improve the local economy and living conditions in the Nkwanta South District.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic, the Business Advisor of Nkwanta South BAC, Mr Joris Ocran, indicated that it was important for people who had not had any formal education, but were engaged in vocational training to receive some form of skills training and certification that would equip them to equally compete for better jobs or contracts in their fields.
He said there were a number of such artisans who were very skilful at what they did because they effectively utilize their God-given talents, but due to lack of certificates, they ended up with fewer opportunities to grow their businesses.
He said the trend must change. He added that “posterity would not forgive the present generation if it failed to provide meaningful livelihood interventions to equip and strengthen artisans which would increase employment avenues in various communities in the districts.”
Commendation
Mr Ocran commended the authorities at the Volta Regional NVTI for facilitating the accreditation of the BAC to undertake such an exercise.
The Business Development Officer (BDO) of BAC, Mr Makafui Amefinu, entreated beneficiaries to take advantage of the exercise to improve their livelihoods.
He also extended an invitation to other people in the district to participate in other training activities, such as bee-keeping and piggery, financed by the Rural Enterprises Programme in a bid to improve living conditions.
The Nkwanta South BAC is one of the 161 Business Advisory Centers enrolled by the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI) and the Rural Enterprises Programme (REP) under the Ministry of Trade and Industry to facilitate and implement the provision of business development services in the country.
Source: Daily Graphic