Joyous first graduates of the AML VTC alongside Education Minister D. Ansu Sonnii, AML Acting CEO Johannes Heystek, VTC Manager Dawie Loots, Head of Organizational Dev. Rose Kingston, and others
Yekepa, Nimba County ̶ ArcelorMittal Liberia Training Academy has graduated the first batch of students after a 3-year intensive training and the successful completion of international standard exams, a press release from the iron ore mining company said over the weekend.
Against a backdrop of festivities, proud parents, joyful friends, and family members, 45 (forty-five) young people were awarded diplomas and certificates of excellence recognizing their newly acquired skill sets in electricity, diesel mechanics, boiler making welding, and plant fitting by the institution formerly known as the ArcelorMittal Liberia Vocational Training Center (AML-VTC).
Unlike three years ago when they had no marketable skills, today the VTC first graduates are super excited that the path to employment and their career advancement seems certain, with the huge prospect of beginning their career at ArcelorMittal Liberia.
Saturday’s colorful first graduation of the AML VTC was a milestone accomplishment for the graduates.
“I am very excited because I have achieved what I was hoping for the past three years. It was not easy, I almost gave up, but I said to myself, “No! you cannot give up, be strong.” I do not regret the long hours of hard work…it was rewarding. I will practice what I have learned. Not everyone can be an accountant. I am encouraging all young people, including women to take interest in the technical field because it is rewarding. I am extremely thankful to the ArcelorMittal Liberia family, the manager, trainers, and staff at the ArcelorMittal Liberia Training Academy for what they have given us. Without them, I was not going to be here today, so I am grateful to them,” explained mechanic Jestina J. Weah, one of only two female graduates.
Liberia’s Minister of Education, Professor D. Ansu Sonii delivering the keynote address at the graduation ceremony, underscored the need for capacity building through technical vocational education & training (TVET) at the professional level as an effective strategy to empower Liberian youths to lead the industrialization of their beloved country.
Professor Sonii said employers nowadays are searching for more skilled technicians and commended ArcelorMittal Liberia for leading the way through the VTC where young Liberian can enroll for three years and graduate, competent and ready for the job market, something he said supports the government’s Pro-poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (PAPD).
“No education and under-education are equal threats to employment and performance of the economy. The PAPD of the CDC Government, headed by H.E. Dr. George M. Weah has placed a focus on the creation of opportunities for young people. Therefore, we are here to celebrate the first fruits of this ArcelorMittal Liberia initiative. TVET is the corridor to life, now and in the future.” Minister Sonii emphasized.
The Liberian Education Minister encouraged other TVET actors to emulate the ArcelorMittal Liberia example on to offering high-quality technical skills opportunities for the youth.
“From what I see at this graduation, and the enthusiasm I see on the graduates’ faces, it suggests to me that we cannot do anything less than what is done at the ArcelorMittal Liberia Training Academy.”
L-R) Education Minister Prof. D. Ansu Sonii, VTC Manager Dawie Loots and Chief Operating Officer & Acting CEO of AML Johannes Heystek
Meanwhile, ArcelorMittal Liberia’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) and acting CEO Johannes Heystek said investing in human resource development is a strategic approach that not only empowers Liberians but strengthens ArcelorMittal Liberia..
He said AcrclorMittal’s investment in the vocational training academy represents an investment in young people and the future of Liberia. Acting CEO Heystek announced that ArcelorMittal Liberia is expanding the Vocational Training Center (VTC), into a training academy with a broader scope, offering advanced technical training, as well as supervisory, process control, and operation training.
“This is not only for the benefit of ArcelorMittal Liberia’s expansion project, but the country at large. It is essential for ArcelorMittal Liberia and the Government of Liberia (GOL) to work together to ensure the delivery of high-level technical training opportunities for Liberians through the ArcelorMittal Training Academy,” The acting CEO emphasized.
Saturday’s graduation and awards ceremony held at the African Bible College Gymnasium in Yekepa brought together Liberian Government officials, executives of ArcelorMittal Liberia, and stakeholders in the TVET sector.
Several graduates, current students, and trainers of the VTC were awarded for their outstanding performance and commitment over the last three years.
The awards categories ranged from Best 2020 Apprentice Technical Certificate Level 1 Award, Best 2020 Apprentice Technical Certificate Level 2 Award, Go Getter Award, Coach of the Year Award, Sports Person of the Year Award, Most Improved Electrical Apprentice Award, amongst others.
Launched in 2018, the ArcelorMittal Liberia Vocational Training Center (VTC) in Yekepa, now the ArcelorMittal Training Academy is a USD $ 7million investment by the company to provide improved technical, educational opportunities in several disciplines for young Liberians to enhance the workforce and economic development for a prosperous Liberia.