Apprenticeship Is Not A Punishment, It’s Your Life – Youth Cautioned

The CEO of “ABEKA Auto” Mechanic, Mr. Abeka Kantanka, has advised the youth undergoing apprenticeship not to see it as a punishment, but rather as a valuable life path that equips them for the future.

This statement was made on Saturday, 31st May 2025, during a graduation ceremony held at Volta Bar in Mankessim, under the Mfantseman Municipality.

The event saw the graduation and awarding of certificates to three apprentices who had completed several years of training and have now qualified to be called masters.

Speaking in an interview with Douglas Oyiboh Amponsah Mr. Abeka Kantanka emphasized that acquiring a skill is a guaranteed way to avoid poverty.

“Anyone with skill training will never go hungry,” he said. “Wherever you are, you can apply your skills to earn a living. Even government vehicles and other institutional equipment can be repaired by you.”

He added that skill training can offer a more sustainable livelihood than some government jobs.

“Those with government work eventually go on pension even though they still have the strength to work, but those with skills can work for a lifetime,” he stressed.

*Cue: (2mins 2ss) – Master Abeka Kantanka*

Master Abass, the mentor of Master Abeka Kantanka, also spoke at the event. He urged the youth to take apprenticeship seriously, as the knowledge gained can open many doors in life.

He explained to Douglas Oyiboh Amponsah that, the journey may not be easy, but one’s mindset plays a major role in success.

“Some apprentices struggle because they want quick money. At times, junior apprentices may even wash the clothes of their seniors – but it’s all part of the training,” he said.

Master Abass further advised parents to give the same level of attention and support to their children in apprenticeship as they do to those in formal education.

*Cue: (1min 48ss) – Master Abass*

One of the graduates, Mr. Darko, who had spent several years under training, was specially honored. In his emotional speech, he expressed deep gratitude to his master and shared the story of how he began his apprenticeship journey.

The newly graduated apprentices also shared their experiences.