About 300 unemployed and vulnerable youth in Kumasi have been prepared to receive hands-on training in employable skills and trade under the Youth Apprenticeship Programme (YAP).

The beneficiaries, who are from underprivileged backgrounds, are often jobless due to their narrow level of education, skills, and support.

The initiative being spearheaded by a non-banking financial institution, Sinapi Aba aims to inculcate entrepreneurial spirit and will address the high rate of youth unemployment.

The fast-rising youth unemployment in Ghana is presenting significant challenges, especially among less educated, uneducated and deprived youth.

They face higher instances of joblessness, worsening their vulnerability.

Recognising this obstacle, Sinapi Aba Savings and Loans has admitted and inaugurated three hundred young men and women under its Youth Apprenticeship Programme (YAP) for livelihood skills.

The three-year training programme is meant to teach hands-on employable skills, industrial skills and trade to support growth and provide a pathway for sustainable employment for young people.

The Youth Apprenticeship Programme will provide free technical and vocational training and entrepreneurial skills to the selected youth to gain employable skills to start and manage their own businesses.

Chief Programmes Officer, Joyce Owusu-Dabo is positive the intervention will transform the economic independence of these vulnerable youths.

“It's a programme to support the poor and vulnerable youth to give them hope for the future. The beneficiaries are given the opportunity to learn a skill or a trade of their choice, so they can work to gain income and become responsible citizens and contribute their quota towards the development of the country,” she said.

The initiative in its 21st year engages master craftsmen in selected fields including dressmaking, hairdressing, aluminum fabrication, carpentry and masonry who train beneficiaries.

This year’s edition of YAP is in collaboration with the Lady Julia Foundation to commemorate Sinapi Aba’s 30th anniversary.

The Principal of Jackson College of Education, and Board Member of Sinapi Aba, Theodosia Jackson has urged the new entrants to focus on their goal.

“Success is a process and it's not a one-day achievement. You need to be determined. Persevere and work hard. They should set a goal for the three years they will be part of the training. I appreciate the masters who selflessly avails themselves to transform the lives of these young people,” she said.

Officials of Sinapi Aba at a special ceremony to start the new cohort provided free equipment and tools as start-up kits for the beneficiaries.

Jemima Osei Gyasiwaa, an aspiring hairdresser, says the initiative will push her to achieve her dreams.

"I want to become a notable hairdresser. I have realised and learned that formal education is not a barrier for me to becoming who I want to be. However, I need guidance and the stepping stone to progress. And it is Sinapi Aba’s apprenticeship programme that I believe will give me the push I need," she said.

The launch, which was attended by both apprentices and their master trainers featured exhibitions ranging from hair-styling and cloth making among others by some beneficiaries.