Research has revealed that 9 in 10 graduates in Ghana do not find jobs within 1 year post-graduation.
According to Global Shapers Community, a Worldwide Network of young Changemakers, this is because graduates have inadequate skills.
Again, the Government’s one year mandatory National Service is not being taken advantage of fully as a first job.
Due to this, Global Shapers has launched “My First Job 2.0”, a 9-Month career accelerator for new tertiary graduates undertaking their mandatory 1 year national service.
The initiative will offer practical soft and ICT skills building paired with scalable coaching through inclusive virtual sessions with 100 main fellows.
From previous piloting of the initiative for about 30 fellows, the Changemakers saw change from 9 in 10 not finding jobs within 1 year of graduation to 9 in 10 securing jobs within 18 months post graduation.
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Speaking at the launch, Immaculata King, Incoming Curator for Global Shapers Accra hub explained that the initiative was designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and workplace skills by providing training and mentorship to recent graduates, specifically National Service Personnel.
“This programme ensures a seamless school-to-work transition by equipping participants with the skills needed to thrive in their first job and secure their second job after National Service,” she said.
Again, she explained that, “My 1st Job was selected as a winner of the maiden Global Innovation Prize, an award established by the Global Shapers Community, in partnership with Accenture and the Global Alliance for YOUth, to support solutions that address youth unemployment and workplace readiness.”
Immaculata King stated that,”Our vision is to scale this initiative, automate skill-building, and reach thousands of young professionals across Ghana. But we cannot do this alone. It takes collaboration, commitment, and collective action to drive meaningful change.”
Meanwhile, the Project Lead for “My First Job 2.0”, Joel Kojo Abaka Anaman also underscored the need for fresh graduates to have soft skills, job hunting skills and ICT skills.
“Universities primarily focus on imparting technical knowledge, equipping students with subject-specific expertise through classroom learning. However, this emphasis often leaves graduates struggling to secure jobs, as they may lack the practical skills and workplace competencies required by employers.” he said.
He continued,”For instance, during my pharmacy studies, I received comprehensive training in the field but was not taught essential job-seeking skills. There was no guidance on how to search for jobs, prepare for interviews, present oneself professionally, or effectively communicate one’s skills and strengths to potential employers. That’s where our program, My First Job, comes in—to bridge this gap and equip graduates with the necessary tools to succeed in the job market.”
Joel emphasized the need to shift perspectives on national service, encouraging participants to see it as their first job rather than just an obligation.
“We want them to approach national service with dedication, knowing what is expected of them and the skills they need to develop. By the time they complete their service, they should be well-prepared for job interviews and ready to impress employers. Business owners will be more inclined to hire them because they can contribute to the company’s success—communicating effectively with clients, maintaining professionalism, and demonstrating strong work ethics, such as punctuality,” he said.
He concluded by advising students to explore soft skills before they complete university.
“If you’re currently in university, it’s important to recognize that knowledge is abundant and easily accessible. With tools like ChatGPT and Google, learning extends beyond lectures and social media. Focus on developing soft skills—how you interact with classmates, communicate effectively, and deliver presentations—because these abilities are just as crucial in the workplace. Start building these skills now, rather than waiting until after graduation. Otherwise, you risk becoming part of the statistics—where only one out of ten graduates secures a job after national service,” he advised.
In attendance was the Director General of the National Service Authority, Mr. Felix Gyamfi, who wholly endorsed the career accelerator as an essential component for training for early career graduates like the National Service Personnel.
Other stakeholders present included other representatives from the National Service Authority, Mastercard Foundation,The British Council, Ghana Think Foundation, Chevening Alumni Association of Ghana, National Service Personnel Association (NASPA) and Recruitment agencies including Vacancies in Ghana, KUSI Consulting, Jobberman and Sedat Consult Limited.
Global Shapers Accra Hub is open to partnerships and collaborations on the My First Job project.
Please reach out to us at globalshapersaccra[@]gmail[.]com
Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa