YFP Cohort IV Soft Skills Training

06-09-2024

YFP Cohort IV Soft Skills Training

The Youth in Food Program (YFP) kicked off its Cohort IV with an exciting in-person soft skills training session on August 19th, 2024. This innovative platform, dedicated to connecting young people with job opportunities in the food and agricultural sector, welcomed 50 eager youth to kickstart their journey toward employability in the food and agribusiness sector.

Hosted at the University of Ghana, the first day of training introduced the youth to Job Search Strategies and Job Description Analysis." This session was designed to sharpen participants' job search skills and empower them to effectively analyze job descriptions, ensuring they target roles that align with their career goals. The second session, "CV & Cover Letter Writing and Customization," was a hands-on experience. Youth not only learned how to tailor their CVs and cover letters but also immediately put their knowledge into practice by searching for jobs online, customizing their applications, and even applying for positions on the spot. Peer reviews added an extra layer of learning, as participants exchanged feedback and fine-tuned their applications.

Another highlight was the session on "Emotional Intelligence and Professional Etiquette," where Youth gained insights into fostering effective communication, collaboration, and a respectful work environment. These skills are crucial for thriving in any professional setting. To enhance their technical participants also attended a "Practical Excel Skills" session at the Impact Hub. Using case studies, they learned how to organize, analyse and present data efficiently—an essential skill for boosting productivity in the workplace.

The week also included a career networking event at Alliance Française, offering Youth a unique opportunity to connect with leading companies in the food and agribusiness sector. With 32 job vacancies up for grabs, participants eagerly engaged with some businesses in the food industry. The Managing Director of the Ghana Netherlands Business & Culture Council (GNBCC) delivered a keynote address highlighting the need for the youth to take up careers in the food and agribusiness sector The event also featured panel discussions on the top “Navigating Career Opportunities in the Food and Agric Sector” with discussants from the Youth Employment Agency, Bioko Treats, and Joana Chemel, providing invaluable insights into the industry.

Rounding off the in-person training, participants explored the intricacies of team dynamics in the session "Understanding Personality Types and Team Dynamics." This interactive workshop equipped them with the tools to recognize and adapt to diverse personality traits within teams, fostering better communication and collaboration. The week culminated in inspiring field trips to four renowned food companies: Blue Skies, Yayra Glover, Kawa Moka, and Hendy Farms. These visits offered participants a first-hand look at the inner workings of successful agricultural enterprises and to inspire them to pursue careers in the food sector.

But the journey doesn't end here. Over the next five months, YFP Cohort IV participants will continue to improve their skills through bi-monthly online sessions and weekly mentorship. This comprehensive program is designed to equip Youth with the tools and connections they need to thrive in the food and agribusiness sector.

The Youth in Food Program is implemented by the Ghana Food Movement and GNBCC under the PSD Fund of the Royal Netherlands Embassy, committed to shaping the future of agribusiness by empowering the next generation of leaders.

 

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