Assin-Foso (C/R), Sept 17, GNA - The Assin District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Kwabena Karikari Apau, has advised beneficiaries of the "Skills Training and Employment Placement (STEP)" programme to form co-operatives to enable them to get access to financial and other assistance.

He made the call at the passing out of the first batch of 45 unemployed youth who had completed six months training in various vocational skills.

They received training in batik and tie-dye production, dressmaking, carpentry and bamboo processing.

The DCE assured them that the Assembly would be able to arrange with the Business Advisory Centre and other organisations to give them both financial and managerial assistance if they formed co-operatives. Mr Apau said an office had been set up while a manager and four coordinators had been appointed for the implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in the District.