The Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET), the Ghana TVET Service (GTVETS) and the Jospong Group have formalized a strategic partnership to boost skills development in the waste management and sanitation sector.
The collaboration seeks to bridge the gap between academic instruction and practical application by introducing a robust Workplace Experiential Learning (WEL) programme for learners and facilitators under GTVETS.
Mr Sebastian Wenz, Senior Project Manager Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), said through the partnership, technical schools would gain access to cutting-edge equipment and industry-grade technology, enabling a hands-on learning environment that mirrored real-world workspaces.
Mr Wenz was speaking at the outdooring ceremony of the partnership agreement organised by GIZ, on behalf of the Pact for Skills: Support to the Transformation of the TVET System in Ghana project.
He said the initiative was poised to not only enrich the learning experience but also ensure that TVET graduates were job-ready and aligned with the evolving demands of Ghana's labour market.
He said the Memorandum of Understanding facilitated the accreditation of three selected technical schools to offer Ghana's newly developed Competency-Based Training (CBT) programme in Recycling Technology.
The three institutions selected are Takoradi Technical Institute, Kumasi Technical Institute and Dabokpa Technical Institute in Tamale.
He said these schools had already received learners through the 2024/25 Computerized School Selection and Placement System, setting the stage for a new era of quality-focused, industry-relevant training.
The Commission will oversee the accreditation process to guarantee high standards in training delivery and learner assessment.
He said the partnership was fostered and facilitated by GIZ through the Pact for Skills: Support to the Transformation of the TVET system in Ghana project on behalf of its commissioning parties, German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and the European Union.
The Senior Project Manager said they decided to start with a smaller or lower number of TVET institutions first because a new CPT programme comes with challenges.
"There must be an enabling environment in terms of the infrastructure, expansion of infrastructure of the schools and also the facilitators, they need to be trained to deliver this new training programme," he added.
Mr Derrick Mintah, Group Head Technical at Jospong Group of Companies, said since the inception of the company, training had been one of its core duties to be able to train more people in the waste management sector.
He said their doors were opened to accommodate a lot of the learners on their sites to enable them to gain the necessary experience for the job market.
He said they had informed their facilitators and Managers that they should embrace their learners anytime they were ready for their workplace experience learning.
Mr Samuel Thomspon, Director, Policy, Planning, Project, Research Monitoring and Evaluation at CTVET, said by forming partnerships with businesses, industries, and local leaders, TVET institutions could facilitate knowledge transfer and drive community-based sustainability initiatives.
"Whether through workshops, collaborative projects, or public awareness campaigns, the role of TVET in promoting sustainable development extends beyond the classroom and into society," he added.
He said moreover, research and innovation were vital to sustaining the momentum of Green TVET.
Mr Thompson said TVET institutions must be encouraged to explore new solutions for environmental challenges, from renewable energy innovations to waste recycling technologies.
He said by fostering a culture of research and innovation, "we can empower students and instructors to develop practical solutions that contribute to national development goals."
He said as part of the strategic plan for TVET in Ghana, Greening TVET has been identified as a key policy objective.