GROHE, a leading global brand for complete bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings, has established a state-of-the-art training facility in Accra, to equip young persons with the requisite skill set and knowledge in plumbing works.
The facility, stationed at the Accra Technical Training Centre (ATTC), is part of the GROHE Installer Vocational Training and Education (GIVE) programme, aimed to train young people in the sanitary industry.
The step, has become necessary as a result of the shortage of skilled installers in the industry, hence, the installation of modern training facilities and provision of learning materials and experienced technical trainers to give students hands-on practice.
Mr Christopher Penney, Leader, GIVE Programme, said the shortage of many skilled installers which was increasingly becoming a source of worry for many industry players challenged the company to come up with GIVE as an innovative strategy to remedy the situation.
“As part of GIVE, we collaborate with technical & vocational training institutions who offer programmes relevant to our industry to train young talents. In addition, the institutions are supported to set up fully functioning training environments where students can benefit from the brand’s vast expertise” he added.
The relevance of adequate technical and vocational training in the sanitary industry, he said, could never be downplayed as it prepared students to compete fiercely on the job market by virtue of their in-depth knowledge in the latest technologies and sanitary innovations.
Mr Penney said GROHE would set up the same facilities in Nigeria, Cameroon, Benin, Togo, and Ivory Coast, adding that the global programme was also ongoing in Russia, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Germany, France, UK, Poland, and Croatia.
Once the students had completed their training, they would sit GROHE’s written examination and receive internationally recognised certificates, he said.
“We will also enroll them in our certified installer programme and there may even be an opportunity for work experience or even employment with some of GROHE’S key customers. We will also provide the students with a small tool kit to help them get started,” he said.
Mr Antoine Kaissar, Leader, GROHE NWA, and LIXIL, said the GIVE programme would unite all its professional training efforts and help young people from all backgrounds by improving their quality of life and that of their families.
“We offer students a training and education programme which will prepare them to become skilled plumbers and guide them further in their careers. As the programme’s name implies, giving back to society is vital for us at GROHE,” he added.
Mr Arko Dometey, the Principal, ATTC, said ATTC was conceived as an institution to train skilled manpower for Ghana’s Industrial requirements.
The Institute runs 17 courses currently including Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Architectural Drafting, and Welding Technology.
Every building fabric needed building services such as plumbing and good plumbers, he said, adding that it was, therefore, the Vision of ATTC to develop a World Class TVET institution and system.
“This can only be achieved when there is a stronger bond between ATTC, Government and Industry and this is what is encouraging industries like GROHE to participate in improving the Plumbing Department.
Mr Dometey said it was unfortunate how plumbing and gas fitting (water works) seemed to be an almost “forgotten programme” even though an essential trade for every building fabric including offices, domestic buildings, and churches among others.
The GROHE’s capacity building of students was the only way to make the students catch up with modern trends and techniques in waterworks or plumbing and gas fitting, he added.
The ATTC had to align itself with good brands like both locally and internationally like GROHE, for the need TVET infrastructure and well-trained human resources to become a school of excellence, the Principal said.