Gold Fields Ghana Foundation has marked another significant milestone in its drive to empower young people through practical skills development by graduating 15 trainees from the Community Youth Apprenticeship Training Programme (CYAT) at a ceremony in Tarkwa.
Introduced in 2024, the CYAT programme equips youth from host communities with employable skills in domestic and industrial electricals.
The training blends classroom instruction, hands-on industrial attachment, and entrepreneurship preparation to enable participants to pursue sustainable careers or start their own businesses.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Tarkwa Mine Manager, Dr. Catherine Kuupol Kuutor, commended the graduates for their dedication and perseverance.
She described the day as a proud moment for both the Foundation and the community, noting that Gold Fields remains committed to creating lasting value beyond mining.
Dr. Kuutor highlighted that the Foundation has invested over US$4.8 million in livelihood and technical training over the years, benefiting more than 264 young people in trades such as welding, hairdressing, dressmaking, auto-electricals, and heavy-duty equipment operation.
This year’s cohort, comprising five females and ten males, received training at the Mac Partners Training Institute in Obuasi.
Their programme included months of theoretical and practical lessons, followed by a three-month industrial attachment and entrepreneurship sessions to build their business management capacity.
Dr. Kuutor announced that Gold Fields invested US$1 million in implementing the CYAT initiative, reflecting the company’s strong belief in skills-based transformation and youth empowerment.
All trainees wrote the NVTI and Energy Commission examinations. While the entire group passed the NVTI exams, three were unable to meet the Energy Commission requirements. The Foundation has arranged for them to re-sit the exam.
Delivering a keynote address, Mr. Chris Yalley, Deputy Executive Secretary of the Energy Commission, praised Gold Fields for its commitment to skills development and community transformation.
He emphasised the importance of the Electrical Wiring Regulations, 2011 (LI 2008), which ensure that only certified professionals undertake electrical installations nationwide.
Mr. Yalley reported that the 2025 Certified Electrical Wiring Examination recorded an 81.17% pass rate, with 944 out of 1,163 candidates passing.
He added that Ghana now has over 18,500 certified wiring professionals and inspectors, forming a strong workforce that promotes safety and quality.
He also highlighted the success of the Installation Completion Certificate (ICC) mobile app, launched in 2024 and rolled out nationwide in 2025.
The app has certified more than 102,000 electrical installations, digitising compliance and improving enforcement of national wiring standards. New features such as QR code verification and integrated access to the Wiring Board are underway.
Mr. Yalley encouraged the graduates to uphold excellence, integrity, and continuous learning as they enter the workforce.
At the close of the event, beneficiaries received full toolkits, NVTI certificates, and Energy Commission certificates for those who passed. Dr. Kuutor described the tools as symbols of readiness and opportunity.
The CYAT programme continues to reaffirm Gold Fields’ commitment to youth empowerment, sustainable livelihoods, and stronger host communities.
Source: Nana Fynn
