Mrs Osafo-Addo, who is also the National Treasurer, Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), said as a nation that endlessly talked about development in all forms, it was time to closely consider the manpower needs and beware of the critical skills that would enable the country to attain developed status.

She was speaking at a round table on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) on the theme: “Maximising the Gains Made for Effective TVET System in Ghana- the Way Forward.”

It was aimed at strengthening the linkage among all the TVET associations both formal and informal, reflect on the status and suggest ways for the continuous upliftment of TVET, increase its visibility as a strong force with the regulatory body, COTVET.

Mrs Osafo-Addo said technical and vocational training was an important tool that had sparked development in other countries hence the need to rebrand the sector to make it more relevant, attractive and appealing to the youth rather than making it a profession for losers.

“Let us clear this negative perception associated with TVET, so that just as a career in law or medicine is considered high-status, technical and vocational trades should also be considered as such.”

Mrs Osafo-Addo noted that career guidance and counselling structures in schools should be revitalised and should introduce a vast career opportunities to school children out there and be encouraged to enter a profession that they have the interest and potentials to excel in.

She said it was essential that the linkages between training institutions and industry were strengthened, so that TVET graduates were seamlessly absorbed into industry. Policy makers must revise the curriculum and programmes of TVET to meet current trends and reflect the needs and aspirations of industries, she stated.

 “We can encourage our children to pursue careers in TVET, but if the training is poor, and the facilities non-existence in schools, then industries will continue to rely on expatriate workers who have the relevant skills.”She called on government to invest much more in TVET to ensure that the sector gets a better facelift. 

  Mrs Linda Agyei, the Director Vocational Training for Female Programme, said experience over the years have shown that integrated interventions could help place more TVET graduates in employment.

  She said the role of TVET in the economic development of the country cannot be over-emphasised and for this reason had introduced a 10- year strategic plan and a new website as part of the rebranding strategies and to promote the effectiveness of communication tools.

 This, she said, would enable VTF share information on good practices in order to obtain an improved TVET sector and increase visibility.

  Mrs Agyei said the plan also sought to assess the internal structures to enable TVET achieves its goals and aspirations in the new VTF frame work.

  She urged participants to bring out significant input to promote effective TVET delivery and make the sector viable to the benefit of the youth and the nation at large.