After many years of insecurity and upheaval, Isaac now has a steady income and a stable home. The Get Into programme gave him the opportunity he needed to get his foot in the door and prove himself.

When Isaac was a child, his father often used to tell him that ‘nothing good comes easily.’ It is a mantra that has guided him constantly as he has steadily worked his way to financial security.

‘I would describe my childhood as rough,’ Isaac explains. ‘Because my father’s work as a pastor meant he had to move around a lot, we were always relocating and changing schools. At one point, it was even hard to come up with money for school.’

With money tight, Isaac eventually had to sacrifice his own education altogether, leaving school early to help fund his brother’s schooling instead.

Isaac’s lack of qualifications severely limited his employment options. He found informal work as a minibus conductor, a dangerous and difficult role known for its overwhelmingly long hours, sleep deprivation and high accident rate, with a fatal crash claiming the life of a friend.

Despite working up to 15-hour shifts in harsh and hazardous conditions, regardless of illness, grief or exhaustion, Isaac was often not paid for weeks at a time. Dejected, he eventually left to start is job search again, and turned to the Get Into programme to help him on his journey.

Opening doors for disadvantaged young people

Launched in Ghana in 2021, Get Into is an employer-led training programme that aims to provide a pathway into work for unemployed young people – especially those who, like Isaac, were forced to leave school early for financial reasons.

Many recruiting employers in Ghana demand that candidates have experience and/or qualifications, even for entry-level positions. This creates major barriers for disadvantaged young people looking to take their first steps into work, shutting them out of most formal jobs.

The Get Into programme, delivered by our partner Youth Opportunity and Transformation in Africa (YOTA), offers routes into industries such as tourism and hospitality. The six-week Get Into Hospitality programme, which Isaac joined, equips young people to move into roles such as hotel housekeepers, restaurant staff and receptionists.

With limited funds, Isaac was particularly grateful that the programme covered both food and travel expenses, meaning that he could afford to take part.

‘I was really happy when I got selected for the programme, but I didn’t have money for transport to the venue,’ he recalls. ‘Then we were told the programme would cover both transport and food, which was such a relief. I really appreciated that and I’m very grateful for the opportunity.’

A pathway to prosperity

The Get Into course content varies depending on the sector – a mixture of general employability skills and technical, sector-specific training, followed by a hands-on work experience placement. Each step of the programme paves the way for the next, gradually building the skills young people need to enter and thrive in a professional workplace.

‘I used to struggle with expressing myself confidently, but the core skills training taught me effective communication skills, which helped me a lot when interacting with guests at the hotel,’ Isaac explains. ‘By the time I started my work placement at the hotel, it felt like I already knew so much.’

Isaac excelled in his work placement role as a housekeeper. Impressed with both his skills and his work ethic, Isaac’s employer quickly promoted him to a customer service role, and then promptly offered him a permanent job, with accommodation included. After many years of insecurity and upheaval, Isaac now has a steady income and a stable home.

Committed to helping others escape the cycle of poverty and hardship, Isaac is now a passionate advocate for the Get Into programme, returning to share his story with each new cohort of trainees, and inspiring them to make the most of their chances.