The Design & Technology Institute (DTI) has transferred an improved 'Welding Demonstration Centre and Innovation Hub' to Accra Technical University (ATU). This initiative aims to enhance hands-on technical education.
Mastercard’s 'Transforming Youth TVET Livelihoods' project has initiated efforts aimed at bolstering cooperation between industries and academic institutions for the implementation of the Precision Quality (PQ) curriculum. This program is specifically crafted to improve Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) within Ghana.
PQ underscores the significance of meticulousness and accuracy within both manufacturing and service sectors, guaranteeing superior quality goods and services. It stresses the importance of precise finalization in industrial procedures, service delivery, and operational activities to achieve global excellence benchmarks.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the DTI and ATU for the transformational initiative specifies essential outcomes. These include incorporating the PQ syllabus into pertinent classes to aid graduate employment transitions, offering a six-month reskilling program for jobless alumni and youth aged 16-35 to help them enter industries, as well as upgrading the university’s career center to furnish resources and assistance to chosen students aiming to start their own enterprises.
To effectively achieve crucial performance metrics (KPIs), 15 Academic Scale Advisors (ASAs) along with teachers from ATU have completed specialized training in the PQ program.
These trailblazing educators are essential for making sure students graduate with skills tailored to industry needs. Furthermore, within the coming three years, a total of 100 ASAs will be trained to expand this program across various educational institutions.
The Founder and President of DTI, Constance Swaniker, noted that ATU has been selected as one of eight TVET institutions to adopt and implement the PQ training program.
These centers are equipped with advanced precision hand tools and multi-use facilities utilized by various departments such as ' Precision Welding and Fabrication', Fashion Design, and Textiles.
"ATU, the leading technical university in Ghana, was selected due to its substantial enrollment of around 29,000 students and its central position within Accra city. Additionally, ATU is recognized for its strong dedication to enhancing the hands-on capabilities of youth. Even with constrained resources, this institution remains dedicated to achieving high standards and applicability in Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), which harmoniously matches DTI’s objectives," she stated.
Regarding inclusivity and gender equality, she emphasized that DTI remains dedicated to these principles, stressing their commitment to both gender parity and the inclusion of people with disabilities. "To draw more young women and individuals with disabilities towards our initiative," she stated, "we plan to work alongside four technical universities as well as four secondary-level technical institutions."
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of ATU, Professor Amevi Acakpovi, characterized the renovated facility not merely as an academic building but as "a crucial hub for skill enhancement and economic growth," according to his statement.
He observed that the facility will cater to students, jobless graduates, and industries looking to enhance and refine their abilities. Additionally, it aims to produce internal income via commercial services, certification programs, and brief courses.
Clement Apaak, Deputy Minister of Education, expressed appreciation through a statement delivered on his behalf, praising Mastercard, DTI, and their fellow collaborators for this pioneering effort. He characterized the project as a model example of collaboration between industries and academic institutions.
Project s cope
The initial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between DTI and ATU primarily aimed at revamping the Precision Welding Demonstration Center. As their partnership grew stronger, the extent of tasks broadened considerably to encompass enhancing and modernizing the fashion workshop, updating equipment in the electrical and electronics shop, along with refining facilities within both the hospitality center and the institution’s administration wing.
The initiative also revamped labs for Electrical/Electronics, Hospitality, Catering, and Institutional Management, with an overall financial commitment totaling around GH₵2.1 million.
The Accra Regional Chairman of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Tsonam Cleanse Akpeloo, stated that this initiative is crucial for transforming technical universities from mere construction sites into platforms that foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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