SOS CV Ghana connects young people to career opportunities and workplace experiences

Young people from tertiary institutions have gained first-hand exposure to career opportunities, workplace expectations and professional environments through a Career Fair and workplace visit organised by SOS Children’s Villages in Ghana and DHL as part of its GoTeach Employability and Entrepreneurial Skills Boot Camp in Tema. The platform provided the young people with opportunities to interact directly with corporate professionals, ask questions about career pathways, understand employer expectations and experience how skills acquired in the classroom can be applied in real workplace settings. The activities formed part of the five-day intensive boot camp being organised by SOS Children’s Villages in Ghana, with support from DHL through the GoTeach partnership, to equip young people with practical skills, knowledge and confidence to transition from tertiary education into employment, entrepreneurship and other career pathways. Held under the theme “Equipping Young People with the Right Skill Sets for a Better Future,” the boot camp brought together 66 young people, comprising 38 males and 28 females. Connecting young people to the world of work The Career Fair provided participants with an opportunity to interact directly with professionals and representatives from different organisations and sectors. Participating stakeholders included DHL, AmaliTech, Ajike and Africa ICT Right, who engaged the young people on career development, workplace expectations, professional growth and opportunities within their respective fields. The interactions enabled participants to ask questions, seek guidance and gain practical insights into the realities of the labour market. The Career Fair also exposed the young people to different career pathways and helped them understand the skills, attitudes and professional behaviours expected by employers. Beyond career information, the platform provided an opportunity for participants to begin building professional networks and identifying potential avenues for mentorship, internships and future career development. Bridging classroom learning with workplace experience Speaking during the activities, Godknows Kporha, Youth Development Advisor at SOS Children’s Villages in Ghana, said providing young people with opportunities to engage with corporate professionals and experience workplace environments was critical to preparing them for the world of work. He said such exposure helped young people gain a better understanding of workplace expectations, professional conduct, career opportunities and the skills required to succeed in different professional environments. “Giving young people the opportunity to interact with professionals and experience the workplace helps them connect what they learn in the classroom with the realities of the world of work. It allows them to better understand what employers expect, the different career opportunities available and the skills they need to develop to prepare themselves for their future,” he said. Kporha added that the engagements encouraged young people to take greater ownership of their career journeys by identifying their interests, asking questions, exploring opportunities and developing the skills required to pursue their aspirations. Experiencing the workplace To complement the Career Fair, SOS Children’s Villages in Ghana and DHL organised a workplace visit to the Blow Group of Companies in Tema, giving participants the opportunity to experience a professional working environment first-hand. During the visit, the young people toured the beverage production facility and gained insights into the processes involved in the production and distribution of beverages. They observed the different stages of production, including the operation of machinery and equipment, and learnt how various processes work together to take a product from production through to distribution. The participants also interacted with staff at the facility and offices, asking questions and learning about different roles and responsibilities within the organisation. The visit enabled the young people to connect the theoretical knowledge gained from their education and the practical lessons from the GoTeach Boot Camp with the realities of an actual workplace. Building employability and confidence The Career Fair and workplace visit formed part of the broader GoTeach Boot Camp, which covered areas including goal setting and decision-making, time management and productivity, financial management, entrepreneurship and innovation, digital literacy, communication, public speaking, leadership, CV writing, job searching and interview skills. The five-day programme was designed to complement academic education with practical employability and entrepreneurial skills while strengthening participants’ confidence and preparedness for employment, entrepreneurship and other professional opportunities. SOS Children’s Villages in Ghana organised the boot camp as part of its Youth Development Programme, which focuses on supporting young people to develop the skills and confidence required to transition towards independent and productive lives. The initiative was implemented with support from DHL through its GoTeach partnership, which has over the years contributed to youth development through mentoring, coaching, internships, career exposure, networking and workplace opportunities. See images from the career fair below Source: www.ghanaweb.com
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