Ghana TVET Service partners with Tema Oil Refinery to propel skills development ahead of National TVET Week 2026

The Ghana TVET Service has formed a strategic partnership with Tema Oil Refinery (ToR) to support National TVET Week 2026, set to take place from October 12 to 16. This collaboration came about following a meeting at the refinery, which highlighted the importance of aligning training with industrial needs. The partnership aims to strengthen certification requirements, ensuring graduates meet national standards for refinery operations.

It also includes structured Work Experience Learning placements at ToR, offering learners direct exposure to plant operations and positioning them for possible employment within the refinery.

For ToR, the collaboration is timely, as the refinery plans for expansion and will require a pool of skilled professionals, including engineers, technicians, machinists, and maintenance specialists. By partnering with the Ghana TVET Service, ToR is reinforcing the connection between industrial growth and the availability of competent, certified professionals.

The refinery's Managing Director, Mr. Edmond Kombat Esq, emphasized that this partnership aims to change the perception of TVET, which has long been considered a fallback option. Mr. Kombat highlighted that TVET graduates are increasingly becoming the talent sought by leading industries in Ghana.

Fatah Mahama, Deputy Director General in charge of Management Services at the Ghana TVET Service, noted that the partnership demonstrates the value of skills training. He stressed that the collaboration is a clear message to parents and young people that TVET is a pathway to Ghana’s industrial future. The Ghana TVET Service’s Work Experience Learning (WEL) programme, central to the collaboration, provides learners with firsthand experience of refinery operations, bridging the gap between classroom learning and practical application.

This partnership, involving National TVET Week 2026, is expected to reshape public perception, encourage more students to pursue skills training, and highlight the opportunities within the TVET sector.