YEA in Ashanti distributes startup kits to over 3000 apprentices after six months training

The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) in the Ashanti region has distributed startup kits to more than 3,000 young individuals who have successfully completed a six-month apprenticeship training program in the region's 43 districts. These kits, which contain industrial sewing machines, hairdressing equipment, and fashion and artisanal tools, aim to empower the recipients to launch their own businesses and utilize the skills acquired during the training.

The distribution ceremony took place at the Ashanti Regional Directorate, where the 43 district directors of YEA in the Ashanti region received the kits for further dissemination to qualified applicants within their respective districts.

According to Seth Atanga, the Ashanti Regional Director of YEA, the items were handed over to the district directors for equitable distribution to beneficiaries who successfully completed the training and validation process. Over 3,000 young people were trained in 19 skilled areas, including masonry, carpentry, hairdressing, and other vocational trades.

Applicants are required to apply online, with successful candidates being shortlisted by the district directors. However, some individuals who were initially shortlisted failed to complete the training and will consequently not receive the startup kits. Those who successfully finished the training and passed the validation process will be granted the items.

Atanga emphasized the importance of adhering to the distribution process, urging the district directors to ensure that the kits were given exclusively to the intended beneficiaries. He also urged the district directors to distribute the kits fairly and without any political influence to ensure that the targeted beneficiaries benefit from the program. The initiative is part of the YEA's efforts to equip young people with employable skills and reduce unemployment in the country.