AngloGold Ashanti Invests GHc870k into training Youth in Apprentices programmes in 2019/20

AngloGold Ashanti, Ghana spent almost GHc870,000 ($150,000) as training costs for the entire 2019/2020 apprentices programmes. The latest of these trainees passed out last week at an event organised in Obuasi.

As part of the redevelopment of the Obuasi Mine, AngloGold Ashanti Ghana launched a three-year Social Management Plan in May 2019, seeking to contribute to diversifying and growing the economy of Obuasi and to ensure their host communities thrive. Among the interventions implemented was the Youth Apprenticeship programme with the objective of equipping youth in their catchment areas with employable skills for them to be competitive on the job market.

The social management plan was developed to incorporate a social investment model, business linkages program, localization program and sustainable development units in their commitment towards making their host communities better off.

In total 48 youths from the mine’s communities were successfully trained within a year and graduated with certificates.

Speaking at the event, Emmanuel Baidoo, Senior Manager Sustainability of AngloGold Ashanti encouraged the beneficiaries to think of smart ways to use their skills acquired rather than relying on the Mine for employment after their training.

“We are not training you to employ you. We are giving you the skills so that you can also live on them. You can start your own businesses or if there is an opportunity at AGA, you can apply” he said.

“You can get employed if you apply and after passing through the laid down procedures, you still make it. We can’t give you special treatment than other people who also apply” he added.

Key among the areas the beneficiaries were trained in were welding and fabrication, Auto mechanics, Auto electrician, Forklift Operation, Grader Operation, Loader Operation and Excavator Operation.

A new set of eighty-one (81) youth, including eleven females, have been recruited to also undergo the Youth Apprenticeship programme.