Bridging Continents: Vocational Education Insights from Ghana to South Korea

In Ghana, vocational education is proven to be an effective strategy for empowering women and young girls. Aside from conventional occupations like tailoring and catering, more young women are learning skills in high-demand fields like welding, electrical work, solar installation, and electric vehicle assembly. These programs do more than simply teach; they also provide opportunities for self-employment, entrepreneurship, and economic independence.

Initiatives like Young Africa Works' "Apprenticeship to Entrepreneurship" (A2E) program are setting the standard by combining hands-on technical training with business skills and mentoring. Organizations such as ASIGE provide beauty, weaving, and fashion design training to rural women in order to help them develop sustainable livelihoods. However, many young women continue to lack digital literacy, entrepreneurial skills, and soft skills such as adaptability and communication, all of which are increasingly required in industries such as ICT, agriculture, and hospitality.

Countries like Singapore and Indonesia provide good models for Ghana to learn from. The Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) system provides modular, industry-recognized training in digital and technological sectors, with government and corporate backing. In Indonesia, vocational programs teach rural women how to sell solar lamps and connect students directly to careers in architecture, journalism, and hospitality through school-to-industry partnerships.

My teaching experience in South Korea provides yet another perspective. Ulleung High School, a unique marine vocational school on Ulleungdo Island, teaches students marine leisure skills such as sailing, yachting, and certification in ship operations. Many graduate ready to launch small businesses or work in the coastal tourism industry. This model of practical, industry-aligned training is something Ghana could replicate, especially in its coastal and island communities.

A key to successful vocational training, whether in Asia or Africa, is relevant skills that meet market demands, as well as support networks which empower students beyond the classroom. Young women who receive an education that equips them with the necessary skills to thrive not only sustain themselves but also contribute to the development of more robust and inclusive economies. It is imperative that Ghana increase women's and girls' access to high-quality vocational education, particularly in non-traditional fields. We can create paths to long-term opportunity, independence, and dignity by combining local initiatives with global best practices.