ATVET workshop charts new path for sustainable internship training

The VET Ecosystems for Employability in Ghana project has held a week-long workshop to develop a sustainable internship and apprenticeship model for Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ATVET) institutions across the country.

The workshop brought together key stakeholders from the education and industry sectors to deliberate on how internship and apprenticeship schemes can better respond to labour market demands and provide long-term benefits for both employers and apprentices.

A major highlight of the engagement was the discussion on establishing Career Development Centres (CDCs) within VET institutions to bridge the gap between academia and industry.

 The centres will serve as one-stop hubs where students, alumni, and employers can connect for internship placements, career guidance, and employment opportunities.

The initiative aims to support VET institutions in developing a sustainable internship and apprenticeship model tailored to Ghana’s development priorities while drawing on best practices from the European Union (EU).

As part of the project, selected institutions will pilot internship and apprenticeship schemes and develop an operational strategy and toolkit to guide their implementation.

Expected outcomes include a sustainable and replicable model for internships and apprenticeships, stronger partnerships between industry and VET institutions, and the establishment of career development infrastructure within schools.

In the long term, the project is expected to improve job placement rates, create clear career pathways for graduates, particularly in climate-smart agriculture and agro-processing, and support Ghana’s transition toward a dual VET system that combines classroom learning with workplace experience.