The Operations Manager of Meridian Port Services (MPS), Mr Ohene Addo, has urged the youth to continuously build practical, marketable skills and maintain a positive attitude to thrive in Ghana’s competitive job environment.
He gave the advice at the second graduation ceremony of Heavy-Duty Equipment Operators in the West and Central African sub-region at the Regional Maritime University on Wednesday in Accra.
He advised graduates to actively gain on-the-job experience, pursue continuous learning beyond their core studies and develop an open mindset towards opportunities like internships.
“Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Mix with your peers and learn from them,” he encouraged.
Mr Addo called on corporate Ghana to assist in shaping graduates equipped with skills that meet market expectations.
“Firms should prioritise youth development as corporate social responsibility,” he added.
Citing an example during MPS terminal construction, he disclosed that local workers lacking multiple abilities lagged behind versatile Chinese counterparts in productivity and wages.
He urged graduates to acquire diverse abilities, avoid idle social media use and approach every task as a valuable skill-building chance to remain competitive.
He announced upcoming maritime internships and certification opportunities at MPS for students to gain hands-on experience.
On his part, the President of the National Association for Heavy-Duty Equipment Operators Ghana (NAHEOG), Mr Dominic Kofi Eyiah, highlighted the crucial role of corporate organisations in equipping Ghana’s youth with employable skills, calling it “an issue of utmost importance in our ever-changing world.”
He described the youth as representing the future, possessing energy and fresh perspective, however, cautions that “without proper skills, the youth can find themselves struggling in today’s evolving job market.”
He appealed to corporations to offer internships, apprenticeships and mentoring to provide invaluable hands-on experience for the youth, who through positive work ethic and corporate culture would be able to showcase skills while firms assess candidates.
“Firms can serve as role models in this regard by exemplifying integrity, diversity and social responsibility,” he stated.
The second batch of 45 trainees completed their training in crane and forklift operations as part of the MoU signed between the Regional Maritime University (RMU) and the National Association for Heavy-Duty Operators of Ghana.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
This is the way to go. skills development . This University is doing something right and deserves commendation.