A new chapter of opportunity has begun for 29 young people from the Tarkwa mining communities, who have successfully graduated from the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation’s Mine Apprenticeship Training Programme.
The ceremony, held at the ABA Clubhouse in Tarkwa on Friday 23 May, highlighted both the personal triumph of the graduates and Gold Fields’ substantial investment in technical skills development.
In his remarks, Elliot Twum, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Gold Fields Ghana, revealed that the Foundation has invested over US$4 million in skills training programmes to date—empowering local youth through initiatives that build technical capacity and expand career prospects in the mining and construction sectors.
The apprenticeship programme, launched in 2022, focused on welding and fabrication, two skills critical to industrial and mining operations. Over the two-year period, trainees received both theoretical instruction and hands-on training designed to meet industry standards. This rigorous approach has already paid off: 24 of the 29 graduates have secured immediate employment with Kansco Engineering, a contractor operating at the Gold Fields Tarkwa mine.
“This programme is about more than skills—it’s about unlocking futures,” said Mr. Twum. “We are proud to invest in the potential of our youth, ensuring they are not just job seekers, but job creators.”
Of particular note is the programme’s commitment to inclusion: 15 of the 29 graduates are women, a reflection of Gold Fields’ broader goal to promote gender equity in all its development initiatives.
Each graduate received certification from the Minerals Commission of Ghana and the South African Institute of Welders, while several went a step further to secure advanced qualifications from the Takoradi Technical Institute—at their own cost, signaling their personal commitment to professional growth.
In total, 208 young people have benefited from apprenticeship training funded by the Foundation since its inception. These efforts form part of a broader US$10 million education portfolio that also includes scholarships, basic education support, and graduate training programmes.
Mr. Twum expressed his deep appreciation to Kansco Engineering for employing the majority of the graduates and called on other companies to tap into the local talent pool. “These young people are ready to contribute meaningfully to your operations. Hire them. Partner with us. Let’s build together,” he urged.
The graduation ceremony was attended by traditional leaders, Members of Parliament, local government officials, and executives from Gold Fields and its partners—underscoring the community-wide commitment to empowering youth through education and practical training.
As the new graduates step into the workforce, their journey stands as a powerful symbol of what targeted investment, strategic training, and community collaboration can achieve.
Gold Fields Ghana Foundation reaffirmed its pledge to continue supporting young people with the skills, opportunities, and confidence needed to build resilient and prosperous lives.
