Education
The training to become a recognized craftsman and the preparation for the state examination takes three years.
The program consists of the following parts, formulated as presented to the students and verified by the school’s management and board:
Entrepreneurship – 4 hours a week:
First year
– what and who an entrepreneur is.
– qualities of an entrepreneur
– types of Enterprise
– source of funds to an enterprise
– problems of an entrepreneur.
– the structure of the work place
– the needs of workers for work
– employee training and rewards.
Second year.
– inventory and measurements of work tasks
– the right employee for work
– a supportive work environment
– employee involvement in business
– conflicts management at work
– doing away with redundancy.
– ICT and information supply
Third year.
– cooperate duty to employee
– cooperate duty to the environment
– cooperate duty to business owners
Please note that the above is taught in the school as structured.
In addition, all are given Career Guidance – 4 hours per week:
– How to identify a suitable work
– creating passion for work
– sustaining energy for work.
– work ethics
– work records and book keeping
– human relations with people.
– counseling behaviors
– free sessions.
The teaching and work situation for the woodworkers/furniture makers differs somewhat from that of the other crafts. In addition to the other subjects, they receive additional 5 hours a week training in ‘Practical Woodwork’ and 3 hours a week ‘Woodwork Theory’:
– measuring tools
– marking tools
– cutting tools
– holding tools
– removing and driving tools
– striking tools
– safety precautions in the work shop
– safety in products.
– wood work materials
– types of adhesive
– uses of adhesive
– properties of adhesive
– methods of fastening
– design process and idea development
– products finishing.
– use of simple machines for Wood-work
Third year.
Review works produced.
In the third year, the students are given specific assignments every week to design products
to make. The guidance is provided by a teacher and/or a qualified carpenter.
Selection of the students to the school
The students who register are accepted after a training program and an entrance exam, through practical testing and assessment of their motivation and ambition. The illiterate are assessed separately.
The age of the students varies from approximately 14 to approximately 25 years.
Method
The students work in the small businesses of the shops who are affiliated with Lifestyle to gain practical experience. Two days a week they go to the school, the Lifestyle Training Center, where they receive practical and theory lessons. After three years they can take the state exam and receive a professional diploma.
The working method is different for tailors, hairdressers and jewelry makers. According to the traditional Ghanaian system, young people apply to a company to become apprentices. They then pay a small amount (which they should also receive food for) to train or work in that company for three years. In this way, these students receive their vocational education from their employers. After three years, these students also take the state exam.
Financing
The education and school resources are paid by Holland Bolga Support to Lifestyle Artisans. Holland Bolga Support also pays the entrance fees for the students selected for the state exams.