Africa-Press – Liberia. ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment and skills development by matriculating 60 new apprentices into the ArcelorMittal Liberia Training Academy (AMLTA) in Yekepa, Nimba County.
The new class of trainees includes 31 young Liberians selected from across the country, while 29 were drawn from AML’s operational communities in Grand Bassa, Bong, and Nimba Counties. They form the latest cohort to begin a rigorous, three-year vocational training program designed to equip them with hands-on skills in critical technical areas, including Diesel Mechanics, Electricity, Boiler Making, and Machining & Fitting—trades essential to supporting Liberia’s growing mining and industrial sectors.
The formal matriculation ceremony, held on Monday, June 30, marked the official launch of this life-changing opportunity for the apprentices, reinforcing AML’s dedication to fulfilling its obligations under the Mineral Development Agreement (MDA), which mandates investment in human capital and technical training.
According to Amos T. Daywhea, Administrator of AMLTA, the selection process was highly competitive and designed to identify Liberia’s most committed and promising candidates.
“Those who have been selected today went through a rigorous process—pre-tests, lab assessments, and aptitude evaluations—and emerged successful. They earned their place,” Daywhea told FrontPage Africa.
“This is a lifetime opportunity. When someone trains at ArcelorMittal, they’re building a career that empowers them, their families, and contributes to Liberia,” he added.
“We especially want to encourage more young women to apply next time. When you’re skilled, you can do something not just for yourself, but for your country.”
Upgraded Facilities, World-Class Training
Since its establishment, the AML Training Academy has stood as a model for corporate-led vocational education in Liberia. Recently, ArcelorMittal invested $7 million into rehabilitating the academy’s facilities, ensuring modern infrastructure, up-to-date training tools, and the delivery of internationally recognized three-year certifications—all offered 100% tuition-free to the trainees.
Training Manager Victor Loubser encouraged the apprentices to take their training seriously:
“You embark on a journey to shape your future. Your future is in your hands. You are becoming artisans—not just recognized in Liberia, but internationally,” Loubser said.
“AML needs skilled operators and technicians to work on the concentrator plant. Success can only be achieved through hard work, sacrifice, and motivation. You are here because you want to make a difference in your own life.”
AMLTA’s curriculum blends classroom theory with hands-on work experience, preparing students for immediate integration into the workforce. Many graduates from previous cohorts have secured employment with ArcelorMittal or found jobs in Liberia’s growing industrial and engineering sectors.
As one of the few corporate institutions in Liberia investing heavily in long-term vocational education, AML is helping to bridge the country’s skills gap and tackle youth unemployment.
Aligning with National Development
The arrival of the new class comes as ArcelorMittal Liberia deepens its footprint in the country through its ongoing $1.8 billion Phase II expansion project. The company’s increasing demand for trained Liberian technicians makes the work of AMLTA even more vital to national development.
By investing in the next generation of engineers, artisans, and skilled workers, ArcelorMittal Liberia is not only meeting its corporate commitments but also contributing to a more self-reliant and prosperous Liberia.
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