They form the second batch of trainees under GEOP which is sponsored by the Christian Aid and the European Union patterned by GRATIS foundation.

At a familiarization and open day for the trainees at  GRATIS in Tema, Mr Richard Twumasi, Design Manager, GRATIS, said the foundation which was under the Ministry of Trade and Industry, provided facilities and expertise for training and research among others.

He called for the inclusion of more women and the disabled in future courses so that vulnerable persons would be economically empowered in line with government’s determination to improve the lives of the citizenry.

Ms Aba Hagan, Acting Programmes Manager, Christian Aid, told the Ghana News Agency in an interview that the charity decided to partner the European Union to fund the course due to its belief that technical, vocational  and entrepreneurial skills played a crucial role in job creation and economic empowerment.

She encouraged the trainees to ask all the questions that had bothered them in their attempt to break free from the old way of doing things. According to her, the NBBSI would also teach beneficiaries entrepreneurial skills to make them true professionals

Dr Emmanuel Afranie Gyasi, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ghanaian Institute of Welding (GIW), called on trainees to fully participate in the course since the National Vocational and Technical Institute (NVTI) certificate that would be awarded could propel them to further academic and professional heights.

According to him, Ghanaian welders could not get contracts in large scale construction works and the oil and gas industry due to their limited skills and lack of certification. Dr Gyasi said the GIW will actively participate in the course by providing facilities that will make them abreast of modern welding techniques and the contacts to lucrative contracts.