Sylvester Dordzi
Carols Advanced School of Technology (CAST) is a leading provider of technical and vocational education and training in Ghana. With a focus on equipping students with practical skills and knowledge, CAST has recently introduced the City and Guilds Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program to its curriculum. This article discusses the benefits of the CAST RPL program to the informal sector in Ghana.
The informal sector plays a significant role in the Ghanaian economy, with estimates suggesting that it accounts for up to 90% of employment in some regions. However, the sector is often characterized by low levels of education and training, limited access to formal employment opportunities, and a lack of recognition for the skills and knowledge acquired through work experience. The City and Guilds RPL program can help to address these challenges by providing a means of formalizing and accrediting the skills and knowledge of informal sector workers.
One of the key benefits of the CAST RPL program is that it offers individuals the opportunity to obtain formal qualifications without having to go through a formal education or training program. This is particularly relevant to informal sector workers in Ghana, many of whom may not have the financial resources or time to participate in full-time training courses. By recognizing their existing skills and knowledge, the RPL program enables these individuals to obtain formal qualifications that can improve their employability and career prospects.
In addition to improving employability, the CAST RPL program can also help to raise the standards of work within the informal sector. By accrediting the skills and knowledge of informal sector workers, the program encourages them to strive for higher levels of competence and professionalism. This, in turn, can lead to better quality products and services, increased customer satisfaction, and ultimately, higher levels of income.
Another benefit of the CAST RPL program is that it can help to reduce the skills gap within the informal sector. Many informal sector workers in Ghana have acquired valuable skills and knowledge through their work experience, but they may not have the formal qualifications to validate their expertise. The RPL program can bridge this gap by recognizing and accrediting their existing skills and knowledge, thereby enhancing their credibility and reputation as skilled workers.
Furthermore, the CAST RPL program can help to promote lifelong learning among informal sector workers. By recognizing their existing skills and knowledge, the program encourages them to continue learning and developing their skills. This can lead to a more dynamic and innovative informal sector in Ghana, where workers are continually improving their skills and adapting to changing market conditions.
In conclusion, the introduction of the City and Guilds Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program to the curriculum of Carols Advanced School of Technology (CAST) in Ghana is a valuable initiative that can benefit the informal sector in many ways. By recognizing and accrediting the existing skills and knowledge of informal sector workers, the program can improve their employability, raise the standards of work, reduce the skills gap, and promote lifelong learning. As such, it is an important tool for promoting inclusive economic growth and development in Ghana.
