Eighteen young Ghanaians have begun structured apprenticeships at Kantanka Automobile Company Limited, marking the start of a new skills pilot programme launched by the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET) in partnership with Kantanka.

Backed by the International Labour Organization’s Recommendation 208, the initiative provides apprentices with training, pay, protection, and certification.

Speaking at the launch, the Director General of CTVET, Zakaria Sulemana, said the programme represents a shift from informal trade learning to structured, globally recognised training.

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“ILO 208 gives us a global framework. It means structured learning, agreements, pay, and qualifications that are recognised,” he said.

Programme coordinator, Frank Kwesi Adetor, also noted that the automotive sector was chosen first due to its potential for jobs, innovation, and industrial growth, adding that the pilot will expand to the garments and textiles sector later this year.

Kantanka’s General Manager, Francis Kojo Kodoji, said the company views the initiative as more than filling vacancies.

He stressed that the move is to empower the youth and bridge Ghana’s skills gap.

The event was held under the theme “Driving Skills, Empowering Youth, Building the Future.”

SA