Zijin Golden Ridge launches youth skills initiative in Birim North

Zijin Golden Ridge Limited (ZGRL) has launched the Zijin Akyem Rising Initiative (ZARI), a youth development and skills training programme in the Birim North District. The initiative aims to equip young people in host communities with technical and vocational skills to improve employment and entrepreneurship prospects.

The first phase of the Community Talent and Skills Development Programme involves 31 trainees enrolled in a Welding and Fabrication course. This training is conducted in collaboration with the Akyem Vocational and Technical Institute (AVTI) and focuses on aligning participant skills with ZGRL’s operational and safety standards.

Future cohorts are expected to include training in Electrical Installation, Plumbing, Building Construction, and Masonry as AVTI expands its capacity. ZGRL General Manager Agyemang Okyere stated the initiative was developed based on feedback from the company’s annual employment clinic to bridge the gap between available jobs and local job seekers.