By Anthony Adongo Apubeo
Sumbrungu (U/E), April 14, GNA – The Electrical and Electronics Department of Bolgatanga Technical University has held a seminar to enhance student employability and bridge the gap between academic training and industry practice.
The event, funded by the European Union with technical support from the United Nations Capital Development Fund, formed part of the European Union-Ghana Pact for Skills: Support Tertiary Education for Sustainable Employability initiative.
It aligns with the university’s broader efforts to improve graduate readiness and expose students to emerging trends in the electrical and energy sectors.
The seminar attracted more than 160 students and nine faculty members, offering participants the opportunity to engage with industry professionals, gain insights into real-world challenges, and explore career opportunities in electrical engineering.
Topics covered included power systems, renewable energy integration, energy efficiency, and smart grid technologies, as well as the challenges of meeting rising energy demand while transitioning to renewable energy sources.
Ing. Ben Kwofie, Area Engineer at the Northern Electricity Distribution Company, noted the increasing demand for renewable energy solutions and urged students to take advantage of emerging opportunities.
“The demand for renewable energy solutions is growing rapidly, and the energy sector needs engineers who can innovate and adapt,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of stronger collaboration between academia and industry, stressing that the future of the energy sector depended on such partnerships.
Faculty members provided guidance on academic and professional development, including information on scholarships, professional associations, and the growing impact of artificial intelligence and automation on the engineering field.
Ms Millicent Puruseh, Senior Assistant Guidance and Counselling Coordinator at BTU and Lead of Career Services for the project, said the university was strengthening its digital competencies and deepening collaboration with industry.
She disclosed plans to organise more seminars, job fairs, industrial tours, mentorship programmes, and internships to improve students’ career readiness.
Mr Alexis Adugdaa Ayamdor, Project Lead, explained that the Integrated Digital Competency and Jobs Accelerator Project (IDAP) shared similar objectives with the UNCDF-implemented initiative.
He said the project aimed to enhance the role of tertiary education in improving graduate employability, particularly in the green and digital sectors, through better coordination, expanded digital skills training, and the provision of acceleration and incubation services.
The seminar also provided students with networking opportunities, enabling them to interact with professionals, ask questions, and explore career pathways, internships, and mentorship options within the sector.
The event strengthened the link between academia and industry while equipping students with practical insights into the electrical engineering profession.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali /Audrey Dekalu