The third batch of trainees under Newmont Ghana’s Apprenticeship Training Programme has graduated from their four-year training in mechanical and electrical maintenance. A ceremony was recently held in Kenyasi, in the Brong Ahafo Region to mark the passing out of the 13 apprentices, who enrolled in 2009. The ceremony also saw the promotion of continuing trainees under the programme. Newmont Ghana established the Apprenticeship Training Programme in 2005 as part of the company’s commitment to its Social Responsibility obligations to its host communities. The programme was also established partly as a technical pipeline to ensure access to skilled and trained mechanical and electrical specialists to support operational requirements in the company. So far, 132 locals from Newmont Ahafo’s host communities have gone through the programme since its inception. The module, based on the Applied Technical Pipeline Approach, is also being replicated at the Akyem project which is expected to be operational later this year. At the end of the training, the apprentices are awarded the London City and Guilds Institute Certificates. Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Chief of Ntotroso, Barima Twereku Ampem III, congratulated the graduates for successfully passing through the programme and commended Newmont Ghana for providing an avenue for the youth of the area to acquire relevant skills which can earn them employment not only in Newmont but in other companies as well. He implored the youth in the mine’s host communities to take advantage of this unique opportunity provided by Newmont to enhance their capacity and contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities. The District Chief Executive of Tano North, Apraku Lartey lauded Newmont for its commitment to its social responsibility obligations commitments towards the host communities. The General Manager – Operations of Newmont Ghana Gold Limited (Ahafo Mine), Joep Coenen, reminded the graduates to be guided by the safety culture in Newmont and always strive to ensure an injury-free work culture while contributing meaningfully to the development of their communities and the nation as a whole.