A workshop to define how role models can be used to positively influence perceptions about Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) has been held in the Eastern Regional capital Koforidua.

The advocacy workshop was organised by the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (COVET).

The board chairman of COTVET, Mr Rockson Dogbegah acknowledged that the Government of Ghana had identified skills development as critical in achieving its social and economic aspirations.

He stressed that Technical and Vocational Education and Training is vital for producing relevant skills necessary for improving economic performance, reducing poverty, and creating employment. 

Executive Director of COTVET, Mr Sebastian Deh indicated that instructors are being retrained, training workshops are being retooled, and laboratories equipped through various programs managed by the COTVET and funded by the Government of Ghana and African Development Bank (AfDB).

Mr  Deh, pointed out that the programme which was launched in October 2014 is under the Development of Skills for Industry Project (DSIP) with funding from the AfDB and the Government of Ghana and managed by the Project Support Unit of COTVET. 

He further stated that one of the biggest obstacles to the growth of the TVET sector is the low prestige it receives from the Ghanaian populace.

He assured participants that COTVET, being the legally mandated body charged with coordinating and overseeing TVET in Ghana, is taking concrete measures to address these negative perceptions.

These measures consist of advocacy programmes like the Role Model Programme to positively influence perceptions.