ROCET to train Ghanaian youth for jobs in Germany
The Government has officially launched the Recruiting of Clever Enthusiastic Teamplayers (ROCET) program, a transformative skills development initiative aimed at training Ghanaian youth for employment opportunities in Germany’s construction sector.
The program, a collaboration between Ghana and German construction industry stakeholders, was unveiled during the 4th Ghana-German Construction Day (GGCD) held in Accra. It is expected to equip young Ghanaians with globally competitive construction skills and provide hands-on work experience in Germany’s strong infrastructure and building industries.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister for Labor, Jobs and Employment, Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, emphasized the need for strategic partnerships between government and private sector actors to create meaningful and sustainable jobs for Ghana’s youth.
“Because of the need to create substantive jobs, this initiative will train the Ghanaian, give him or her capacity, build him up, and allow him to work in Germany for a while and come back to Ghana with that expertise,” Dr. Pelpuo stated.
He described ROCET as a dual-benefit program that enhances employability for Ghanaian youth while also addressing skilled labor shortages in Germany’s construction industry.
“This is an important initiative in collaborating with the German construction partners to ensure that the expertise that goes into construction and human capacity are shared between the two countries,” the minister added.
Strengthening Skills for Global Markets
The ROCET program seeks to bridge the skills gap in Ghana’s construction workforce by offering technical training, language immersion, and on-site apprenticeship opportunities in Germany. Upon completion, participants are expected to return to Ghana with refined skills that will contribute to local construction standards and knowledge transfer.
The initiative aligns with broader government objectives to promote decent work, technical education, and international labor mobility, particularly within the framework of Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy policy and the Ghana-Germany bilateral cooperation on workforce development.
Ghana-German Construction Day 2025
This year’s Ghana-German Construction Day served as a strategic platform to promote collaboration between the two countries.
The event brought together key stakeholders including policymakers, technical experts, training institutions, and private contractors to explore investment opportunities, share best practices, and discuss the future of construction in Ghana.
The 2025 edition focused on three core areas: skilled labor development and exchange, technological innovation in construction, and investment partnerships and infrastructure financing.
German partners at the event highlighted the importance of developing future-ready construction workers who can operate effectively across both African and European standards.
Building a Resilient Workforce
Ghana’s construction sector remains a key employer, but rapid urbanization, rising infrastructure demand, and youth unemployment present ongoing challenges.
By linking local training to international labor markets, the ROCET program is expected to diversify career pathways, reduce joblessness, and enhance technical standards in the sector.
Dr. Pelpuo urged more stakeholders to support similar public-private collaborations that empower young people while strengthening national economic competitiveness.
“This is not just about jobs. It’s about preparing the next generation of builders and engineers who can lead Ghana’s future,” he added.
