The Design and Technology Institute (DTI) has handed over an innovation hub to the Ho Technical University (HTU) to advance Ghana’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training agenda.

The Institute also upgraded two workshops to enhance hands-on training of participants of the Precision Internship Programme, targeting youth in the Volta Region.

The Innovation Hub, which is equipped with state-of-the-art tools, features refurbished management science lecture rooms, hospitality, and tourism Management workshops.

Additionally, about GH¢1.5 million was injected into the retooling of selected hospitality, welding, and fashion workshops to serve as training centres.

This initiative was in line with the objectives of establishing the Precision Quality Centre of Excellence, at HTU by the Design and Technology Institute, aiming to provide access to modern equipment, expert-led workshops, and real-world learning opportunities.

The partnership is part of DTI’s collaborative strategy to engage with stakeholders in the public sector to achieve objectives under its Transforming youth TVET livelihood under the Mastercard Young Africa Works (YAW) initiative, which seeks to train and equip young people with the necessary soft skills for the world of work.

It also aims to enhance the competency-based learning of Technical Universities and improve the work skills of Mastercraft persons and SMEs to meet industry standards and address real life problems in their communities.

On 29th April 2021, DTI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with HTU to implement the Precision Quality curriculum and handed over an ultra-modern workshop equipped with state-of-the-art precision hand tools.

The Founder and President of DTI, Ms. Constance Elizabeth Swaniker, said that her outfit aims to position HUT as a strategic focal point to catalyse innovation, entrepreneurship, and workforce readiness among students, interns, and informal sector actors.

She added that the university will anchor a holistic ecosystem that brings together technical training, research, data systems, and entrepreneurial support to prepare the next generation for a rapidly evolving world of work.

"This partnership with Ho Technical University marks a pivotal moment in our collective mission to redefine TVET and skills development in Ghana. The DTI Precision Quality Centre of Excellence and Innovation Hub at HTU is more than just a facility; it is a strategic hub designed to cultivate innovation, foster entrepreneurship, and equip our youth with the precise, industry-relevant skills needed to thrive."

“We are confident that this holistic ecosystem will be a powerful catalyst for empowering the next generation and significantly contributing to Ghana's human capital development agenda”, she stated.

The Vice-Chancellor of Ho Technical University, Prof Ben Honyenuga, expressed gratitude to DTI for the partnership, which plays a pivotal role in helping the University attain its objectives of producing competent and globally standard craftsmen and women.

He added that the second phase of the collaboration between HTU and DTI is a manifestation of excellence in the industry-academia relationship.

The Pro Vice Chancellor of the Ho Technical University, Prof Christopher Mensah, underscored the importance of investing in precision quality to enable Ghana to compete with other countries in the fast-developing global economy.

He reaffirmed his outfit’s commitment to lead precision quality training in the Volta Region and lauded the Design and Technology Institute for their partnership.