Africa-Press – Ghana. On different parts of Zijin Golden Ridge Limited’s (ZGRL) operations, two young professionals are redefining opportunities for community youth.
Danquah Olivia from Akyem Afosu and Emmanuel Akwa from Adausena come from different backgrounds but share one pathway — the Zijin Apprenticeship Programme, a three-year initiative designed to equip host community youth with practical skills, strong work ethics, and a safety-first mindset.
Olivia’s Journey
For Olivia, the journey began after Senior High School with a desire to create her own opportunity. Today, she is training as a process maintainer, confident in a field where few women have ventured.
“I graduated with an SHS certificate, but now I boldly stand ready for the job market,” Olivia says. “I encourage all females in our communities to enrol whenever there is an advert. Being a woman in engineering builds you and gives you respect.”
Her early days were challenging. The technical environment, safety procedures, and pace of operations were unfamiliar, but mentorship on the field transformed her experience.
“Our mentors really helped us. They taught us every detail we needed to know,” she explains. “Supervisors, managers, and trainers all contributed to building us. Being on the field was my favourite part of the programme.”
Emmanuel’s Endeavour
Several kilometres away, Emmanuel’s story unfolds differently but with the same outcome — confidence through competence. When he joined in 2023, he had an interest in technology but little exposure to mining or electrical engineering.
“The most difficult part for me was that I didn’t have prior technical knowledge about mining or electricals,” he admits. “Adapting was challenging at first, but the programme helped me maximise my confidence. Now my colleagues and I are ready for the job market.”
Emmanuel specialises in fixed plant electricals, learning how power, instrumentation, and control systems support large-scale mineral processing. The blend of classroom instruction and daily fieldwork reshaped his understanding of engineering.
“Now when I go on the field, I understand what I am doing and why I am doing it,” he says.
Structured Training for Real-World Skills
Behind both stories is a structured training system designed to serve community and industry needs. Sam Kojo Adjei Frimpong, a facilitator at ZGRL, explains that the apprenticeship programme is aimed at growing talent from the ground up.
“Zijin has a social responsibility to its host communities. We enrol youth and equip them with skills in mechanical and electrical engineering, covering both fixed plant and mobile equipment. The programme spans three years, building them from basics into confident, job-ready professionals,” Sam says.
Training balances theory and practice. The first year focuses on the Introductory Skills Programme (ISP), providing foundational engineering knowledge. In the second year, apprentices specialise in fixed plant or automobile streams, further honing mechanical or electrical skills. By the third year, participants train in Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) environments, where instruction is predominantly field-based.
Industry-Academia Collaboration
To strengthen professional recognition, ZGRL collaborates with the University of Mines and Technology (UMAT), Tarkwa. Professor Christian Kwaku Amuzuvi, Head of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at UMAT, praised the programme during a recent visit.
“The level of training these students receive is top-notch. What they are going through is life-changing and puts them at par with the best engineers anywhere,” he said, highlighting the importance of bridging the gap between academia and industry.
Transforming Lives and Communities
For Olivia and Emmanuel, the apprenticeship programme is more than technical training — it is a doorway into professional identity, confidence, and long-term opportunity. From process plant operations to fixed plant electricals, their journeys illustrate how ZGRL’s community investment is transforming youth into active contributors to Ghana’s mining and industrial sectors.
“This programme builds you for life,” Olivia says simply.
