The National Association for Heavy-Duty Equipment Operators Ghana (NAHOEG) in collaboration with the Regional Maritime University (RMU) will commence standardized training and certification for Heavy-Duty Equipment Operators in January 2023.
The training seeks to enhance operators' skills and make the profession more relevant to the job market in the West and Central Africa Sub-regions in accordance with international standards.
The President of NAHOEG, Mr Dominic Kofi Eyiah, who disclosed this at a press soiree in Accra on Monday, indicated that the training would provide Heavy-Duty Equipment Operators with certification and global recognition.
"We had to find a formal way of standardizing our training and certification for the operators so that by employing one anywhere, you know that he or she can deliver a certain set of skills you are looking out for. The RMU has the scope in the West and Central Africa Sub-regions which gives us great coverage and niche for our members," he stated.
He also noted that the association wanted its members to be properly compensated for the services they provide to industries because, most of the time, their inability to provide certificates to attest to their abilities impeded their progress in their careers.
"So, through this programme, we believe that the remuneration of our members and their contribution to industries would be recognized because of the right certification they will be getting from RMU," he stressed.
He explained that the training was open to the general public including operators who lacked certification but needed it.
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"Everything is set for the training of heavy equipment operators within Ghana and the West and Central African Sub-regions. Admission is open, you can purchase the forms and enrol in this training to earn a certificate. we will provide you with a life insurance policy after you complete the programme. You can also join NAHOEG as a certified member," he emphasized.
On his part, the Principal Manager, Regulations and Licensing (Ghana Railway Development Authority) and Chairman of the Fleet Engineering Division (Ghana Institute of Engineering), Ing. Dr Divine Okutu, said the Ghana Institute of Engineering was in full support of the aim of NAHEOG and RMU offering standardized training and certification of Heavy-Duty Equipment Operators for the West and Central Africa Sub-regions.
"Streamlining training and certification benchmarked with international standards such as the International Standards Organization (ISO) is the best practice that meets our resources and needs of Africa," he stated.
He said through these paths, trainees would be given the professional advantage in this globalized job marketplace and most especially inclusiveness of local content and capacity building.
"The RMU investment in a simulation facility for this training and its partnership with the NAHEOG gives me such assurance that this industry will grow.
"We hope your partnership will continually develop, innovative robust training standards, qualifications, and initiatives, that will ensure highly qualified personnel that would meet the needs of the industry, both now and in the future globally," he added.
