Plumbing training in Ghana has received a boost with the inauguration of a state-of-the –art training facility in Accra under the Grohe Installer Vocation Education(GIVE) Programme, an innovative brand strategy of sanitary industry leader, GROHE, which seeks to raise a generation of skilled installers for the sanitary industry.

The ultramodern training facility, set up in collaboration with the Accra Technical Training Centre (ATTC), is expected to equip about 100 young people annually with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively address the shortage of skilled installers, a deep-seated menace within the sanitary industry.

As part of the GIVE program, GROHE supports plumbing schools in creating a state-of-the-art training framework by installing modern training facilities and providing learning material and experienced technical trainers.

Speaking at the event, Christopher Penney, Leader, GIVE Program, LIXIL EMENA expressed optimism about GIVE in Ghana whiles commending the staff and management of ATTC for their support.

“After about 18 months of intensive preparation towards the birth of GIVE in Ghana, it gives us so much joy to see this training facility finally launched and ready to serve its purpose. Indeed, we are elated we have come this far as this marks a great milestone for GIVE.”

“We are confident that this facility would be put to good use thereby helping us achieve the objectives of this Programme in the long run. We would also like to express our profound gratitude to ATTC for buying into GIVE’s vision and accepting to be partners in this regard,” he said.

Principal of ATTC, Mr. Arko Dometey, expressed his appreciation to GROHE for the training facility. He urged students and trainers present to leverage the opportunities offered by GIVE to better their skill set and improve their lives.

He mentioned that the newly inaugurated training facility would provide the avenue for continuous capacity building of trainee plumbers and trainers thereby keeping them abreast with the modern trends and techniques of the sanitary industry.

The Principal also noted that the training facility has come in good time; an era where many experts are recommending an investment in the youth by means of world-class Technical & Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a remedy to the problem of unemployment which has reared its ugly head among many young people.

“As a professional, it is important to constantly stay in touch with the latest industry trends and innovations. I therefore believe strongly that this training facility would play a pivotal role in the retraining and upskilling of already existing and trainee plumbers in the country. With adequate technical training and the required skill set, the issue of unemployment would gradually be a thing of the past among the youth,” he said.

Johnson Ankamah, a beneficiary, on his part, lauded GIVE saying “We are grateful to GROHE for their kind gesture and for investing into our future.”

The inaugural ceremony which brought together stakeholders in the country’s Technical & Vocational Education and Training (TVET) space as well as key sanitary industry players also featured the training and retooling of over 20 students and trainers of ATTC’s Plumbing Department.

Upon receipt of their training kits, the beneficiaries were taken through rigorous training in the installation of futuristic bathroom and kitchen fittings under the tutelage of Manfred Kühn, a well renowned sanitary expert.

Globally, GIVE has been a vehicle through which society has been improved and the lives of many socially disadvantaged people impacted. Its training programmes, uniquely designed to equip young talents with knowledge of the latest technologies and sanitary innovations, is a force to reckon with.