By: Trokon Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
Buchanan – At least 21 young people from fence-line communities in Bong, Nimba, and Grand Bassa Counties have taken a major step toward their future as the newest beneficiaries of ArcelorMittal Liberia’s ongoing youth empowerment and skills development program.
The new recruits, now employed as Train Assistants—including two females—recently completed four weeks of theoretical training at the company’s Training Academy annex in Buchanan.
Their lessons covered essential topics such as General Operating Instructions, ArcelorMittal Rail Operational Rules, the duties of a Train Assistant, air brake systems, and shunting operations.
They are currently undergoing 12 additional weeks of practical training designed to translate classroom learning into hands-on expertise. For the first eight weeks, they are based at the Buchanan rail yard, where they train under the guidance of experienced Senior Train Assistants, Train Drivers, and Yard Supervisors.
Their exercises include shunting techniques, track switching, coupling and uncoupling wagons, managing air hoses, identifying defective wagons, unloading at the port, and marshaling trains for departure.
Rail Operational Execution Superintendent Ashley Warner outlined the structured program, saying: “After their yard training, the recruits will proceed to the mainline, which stretches 240 kilometers from Buchanan to Tokadeh yard.
There, they will gain experience in train crossings, loading, shunting operations in Tokadeh, and direct communication with train dispatchers. At the end of the program, they will be fully assessed and certified as Train Assistants.”
Warner further disclosed that 24 more trainees from fence-line communities will join the program once the current group graduates, broadening opportunities for local youth.
For many of the new recruits, this employment marks a life-changing milestone.
Loretta Dolo of Zoweinta, Bong County, shared her story: “Seeing myself move from being a motorcycle repairer in a community workshop with little or no income to being fully employed today means so much for me and my family. I am grateful to ArcelorMittal. The chance to become a Train Assistant is truly a dream come true.”
Similarly, Samuel A. Weedee of Compound Three, Grand Bassa County, expressed his joy: “I was jobless, and now to be employed by ArcelorMittal Liberia, one of the best-paying companies in the country, means a lot for me, my family, and my community. Growing up, I always admired the trains passing through my town. Today, I am part of that story.”
Newton Banks of Monclay’s Town, Grand Bassa County, also commended ArcelorMittal Liberia for investing in young people from host communities and pledged to serve with commitment in his new role.
This initiative underscores ArcelorMittal Liberia’s dedication to building local capacity, empowering communities, and creating sustainable career pathways for youth across its operational areas. By investing in human capital development, the company continues to strengthen Liberia’s rail transport sector while contributing to the nation’s overall growth.
