The Youth Employment Agency has entered into a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Guinness Ghana Breweries PLC to offer skills training for 200 young hospitality professionals under the Learning for Life program.

This initiative aims to create more jobs and promote ethical business practices while committing to championing diversity and fostering an inclusive and thriving tourism industry.

At the signing ceremony, Deputy CEO of YEA, Alhaji Bashiru Ibrahim indicated that Guinness Ghana, as a private institution, has impacted lives over the past 50 to 60 years. Hence, its Learning for Life program is an added advantage to its portfolio of offerings for youth development.

According to him, the YEA has the mandate to facilitate and coordinate youth employment, provide skills training, life-changing opportunities, and ensure long-term job retention.

"This, he said, they have achieved as the YEA is partnering African Industrial Solution to train over 20,000 young people in various job areas. 'This is an ongoing initiative,'" he said.

Alhaji Bashiru Ibrahim also asserted that the YEA has partnered with the National Insurance Commission (NIC) to train over 6000 young people.

"The YEA, through other agencies, has trained over 10,000 artisans. As we speak, in the next two weeks, the Vice President will be announcing some skills training for Kayayes. Over 5000 kayayes will be trained in baking, pedicure, and manicure, among others. This is an initiative under the YEA job creation strategies," he noted.

He lauded Guinness Ghana PLC for the Learning for Life program and believes that the 200 young people who would be trained will acquire skills that can build their employment prospects not only in Ghana but also in any part of Africa.

Alhaji Bashiru Ibrahim said the program is not tailored towards the Ghanaian market alone but offers globally recognized skills, enabling beneficiaries to meet international standards and apply for jobs worldwide.

He encouraged Guinness to roll out more training programs, assuring them of YEA's readiness to partner with them to implement programs aimed at changing the lives of young people.

On her part, Felicite Nson, Managing Director of Guinness Ghana Breweries PLC (GGBPLC), said the company is committed to championing diversity and creating an inclusive and thriving tourism industry.

She noted that diversity is a major part of their operations, and they believe that an inclusive and diverse culture reflects their values and leads to better business outcomes.

"This is why the announcement today is exciting for us as it marks the birth of our Learning for Life program in line with our progressive mission to provide skills and resources to employ over 1000 people," she said.

She asserted that Learning for Life is aimed at those seeking employment in these sectors to help solve livelihood problems and provide equal access to job opportunities and income sources.

According to Felicite Nson, Learning for Life started in Latin America in 2008, and since then, their programs have reached more than 200,000 people. The program is gender-inclusive by design, aiming to reduce barriers to women accessing skills, resources, and opportunities.

She noted that the program offers various training options, including online, to ensure broader participation and access.

The program aims to equip individuals with the skills and training they need to succeed. "The experience and mentorship participants receive will give them the knowledge and confidence to excel; I believe that education is the key to unlocking opportunities and potential for success. By investing in programs like this, we are investing in the future of our community and creating a brighter tomorrow."

She urged all to embrace this opportunity with enthusiasm and dedication.

Head trainer Tapatheo Amu Nyamekye, Head trainer at Diageo Bar Academy, said the "Learning for Life" program is training for hospitality professionals and provides opportunities for skills development and advancement for individuals who may otherwise have been overlooked.

"This ensures individual and community progress acceleration. I feel proud and inspired to be called upon to share our experiences and provide useful skills training that can help build quality, something that is close to our hearts."