The Labour Department, in partnership with Sunyani Technical University (STU), on Tuesday, 21st July 2026, commenced a two-day Career Activation Experience under the theme, "Preparing Young People for Future Career Success," aimed at equipping final-year students, graduates and National Service personnel with practical skills and career opportunities for the evolving labour market.
The programme, coordinated by the University's Quality Assurance and Academic Planning Directorate, brought together representatives from the Labour Department, the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), GIZ, Absa Bank and other partner institutions to provide participants with practical knowledge on employment readiness, entrepreneurship, career development and international study opportunities.
Welcoming participants, the Director of Quality Assurance and Academic Planning, Prof. Jones Lewis Arthur, stated that Sunyani Technical University remains committed to producing graduates who are not only academically competent but also professionally prepared for industry. He noted that professionalism, competitiveness, competence, integrity and excellence remain at the heart of the University's training philosophy, urging students to take full advantage of the opportunities presented during the workshop.
Speaking on behalf of the Labour Department, Mr. Allswell Acquah emphasized that academic qualifications alone are no longer sufficient to secure employment in today's competitive labour market. He encouraged participants to complement their certificates with technical, digital and soft skills, including communication, teamwork, adaptability and problem-solving. He further advised job seekers to build professional networks, prepare strong application documents, utilize public employment services and consistently follow up on their job applications. The Labour Department also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting graduates through job search assistance, employment agency verification and the protection of workers' rights.
Representing the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Mrs. Afua Oboubea Asomani and Mr. Augustine Osei-Ahenkan highlighted the agency's interventions aimed at reducing youth unemployment through partnerships with government institutions and the private sector. They encouraged participants to develop employable skills, strengthen their personal brands and build professional networks. The officials revealed that YEA currently operates nineteen skills training programmes with employment opportunities and advised aspiring entrepreneurs aged 18 years and above to register their businesses using a Ghana Card and a viable business idea.
Representatives from Absa Bank Ghana also engaged participants on workplace professionalism, financial awareness and career development. They encouraged students to cultivate confidence, sound judgment, adaptability and a strong understanding of workplace culture as essential qualities for succeeding in today's competitive employment environment.
Providing an international perspective, GIZ Technical Advisor Mrs. Jemilah Aryee introduced participants to postgraduate study, research and scholarship opportunities across Europe. She explained the application requirements, including academic transcripts, recommendation letters, personal statements, proof of English language proficiency and the Europass Curriculum Vitae. She also highlighted the Erasmus Programme, which provides grants and access to more than 200 master's programmes, international exchange opportunities and internships.
The Career Activation Experience featured interactive presentations on careers in banking and finance, agribusiness and manufacturing, public employment services, entrepreneurship, migration pathways for study and work in Germany, and graduate employability. Participants had the opportunity to interact directly with industry professionals, ask questions and receive practical career guidance.
At the close of the programme, Prof. Jones Lewis Arthur, on behalf of the Quality Assurance and Academic Planning Directorate, the Organising Committee and partner institutions, expressed appreciation to all students, National Service personnel, staff, facilitators and stakeholders who participated in the workshop. He noted that their enthusiasm, active participation and commitment to learning contributed significantly to the programme's success.
He also extended gratitude to the collaborating institutions and resource persons for sharing their expertise and practical experiences, stressing that such partnerships continue to strengthen graduate employability and career readiness at Sunyani Technical University.
The Directorate reaffirmed its commitment to organizing similar career development initiatives and encouraged students to continue taking advantage of opportunities that prepare them for successful careers in Ghana and beyond.