By Kodjo Adams
Accra, May 22, GNA– The Design and Technology Institute (DTI) has handed over a refurbished and upgraded Demonstration Centre and Innovation and Incubation Hub to the Accra Technical University.
The initiative is to strengthen collaboration for the implementation of the Precision Quality (PQ) curriculum programme towards improving Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) delivery in Ghana.
The Hub is fitted with state-of-the-art precision hand tools and facilitation rooms for the Welding and Fabrication and Fashion Design and Textiles departments.
The renovation, which was supported by Mastercard Foundation, also included the retooling of selected laboratories in Electrical/Electronics, Hospitality Catering and Institutional Management.
Ms Constance Elizabeth Swaniker, the Founder and President of the DTI, said the initiative was a collaborative strategy to engage with stakeholders in the public sector to achieve objectives under the “Transforming youth TVET livelihood under the Mastercard Young African Work initiative”.
It also aims to enhance the competency-based learning of Technical Universities and improve the work skills of mastercraft persons and Small and Medium Enterprises to meet industry standards and address problems in their communities.
She said DTI, on March 4, 2025, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ATU to start the partnership between the two institutions.
The partnership includes providing a 6-month upskilling programme for unemployed alumni, enhancing the university’s Career Centre and providing selected learners with resources to establish small businesses.
Ms Swaniker said ATU was part of the fourth TVET institution to roll out the implementation of the Precision Quality (PQ) training programme, which would be scaled up to other TVET institutions.
The PQ training programme, she explained, aimed to strategically embed the PQ curriculum developed by industry players and certified by the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training into the academic studies of students in ATU.
Fifteen Academic Scale Advisors and instructors have received specialised training to facilitate the training of students with the PQ curriculum.
Upon graduation, the students will be equipped to adhere to global industry standards and successfully transition into the workforce.
Ms Swaniker emphasised DTI’s commitment to work with stakeholders to develop programmes that cater to the evolving needs of academia and industry for socio-economic development.
Professor Amevi Acakpovi, Acting Vice-Chancellor of ATU, commended DTI and the Mastercard Foundation for their visionary partnership to improve TVET in the country.
He said the collaboration was a direct response to the ATU mandate under the Technical Universities Act (Act 922) to deliver industry-relevant, competency-based training that meets the demands of Ghana’s labour market.
“We remain committed to ensuring that this facility becomes a centre of excellence for training, youth employment, and innovation.”
Dr Emmanuel Newman, Director of Tertiary Education, Ministry of Education, said the government would continue to invest in TVET as a tool for sustainable development.
Prof Ben Honyenuga, Vice-Chancellor, Ho Technical University, underscored the benefits of industry and academia collaboration, adding that the Hub would serve as a beacon of hope for TVET in the country.
GNA
CA/