Vocational Education and Training
GESTA’s responsibility as the main association in Ghana working in the sector is to regulate, promote, and administer Vocational Education and Training (VET) for electronic technicians. Our VET program is a key element of lifelong learning, equipping young people in Ghana with the competencies and relevant experiences required for occupations in electronic work. This program takes place in school and work-based settings, such as training centers and companies.
Our VET program for electricians is drawn from international training packages and well-known accredited curricula, and it offers students pre-vocational training as technicians with portable qualifications that are recognized throughout the world.
We intend to open VET training centers in all regional capitals in Ghana for electricians, electronic technicians in all industries and sectors, and technicians in the fields of telecommunications, information technology, refrigeration, audiovisual, broadcasting, and the creative industries.
Through this program, GESTA promotes the idea that all electrical students have access to high quality pathways to facilitate effective transitions between school, training, further education, and employment. The GESTA VET program is the perfect introduction to the world of work for young electronic technicians. It develops work, employability, and life skills and broadens their view of career options, along with a realistic understanding of industry expectations. Each training program we offer provides students with the practical skills and knowledge they need to be competent in the electronics industry.
The GESTA VET (vocational education and training) system provides young electricians or technicians with an initial foothold in the job market. The dual system of vocational education and training (apprenticeship), which combines learning in the workplace and in a vocational school, provides a direct link to the world of work.
Our approach to VET is a dual system: the apprentices work three to four days a week in an electrical firm, learning the trade in practice; the rest of the time they attend a vocational school, where they acquire the theoretical knowledge. Inter-company training is also provided. Throughout their training, the apprentices receive a salary from the firm where they are employed.
Within this program, GESTA has developed the “Skills Initiative for Ghana.” Its aim is to help improve vocational education and training in electrical works, especially for girls and women, in all regions of Ghana.
The initiative to be supported by the Ghana Skills Development Fund (GSDF) and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) will help women and girls in rural communities acquire skills as technicians and electricians to improve their employability and close the gender gap that exists in the industry.