The Design & Technology Institute (DTI) has upgraded the Kumasi Technical University’s Automotive and Agricultural Mechanization Engineering Department.

The workshop, upgraded at a cost of GHC325,000, is equipped with state-of-the-art tools to improve the delivery of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Ghana.

In June 2022, DTI signed an MoU with KsTU to upgrade the automotive and agricultural mechanization engineering department workshop in fulfilment of DTI’s commitment to the university.

As part of the initiative, DTI also trained 23 Academic Scale Advisors (ASA) and instructors. They will in-turn train students using the Precision Quality curriculum to ensure that students graduate with industry-relevant skills and adhere to global industry standards.

DTI is partnering with the Mastercard Foundation under Young Africa Works strategy. It aims to transform youth TVET livelihoods for sustainable jobs and will enable three (3) million young people, particularly women to access dignified and fulfilling work opportunities by 2030.

DTI signed similar MoU’s with the Ho Technical University and Takoradi Technical University to serve as model centres to implement the PQ curriculum.

5000 students and 100 lecturers across the three universities will benefit from this initiative.

The PQ curriculum was developed by industry professionals and accredited by the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET) to ensure that it addresses the industry's skills gap.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony, the founder of DTI, Ms. Constance Elizabeth Swaniker was optimistic the centre will bridge the gap between academia and industry.

“The commissioning of the automotive and agricultural mechanization engineering department workshop will help the university train and position students to gain practical industry skills and knowledge and create value for themselves and the nation.

“The objective of DTI in adopting the workshop of the automotive and agricultural mechanization engineering department is strategic. It is to position KsTU as a model centre, bringing it closer to the bustling Suame magazine, the heartbeat of the engineering and automotive industry in the northern sector of the country.

This will serve as a bridge between master craft persons and academia and attract the private sector to enhance the teaching and learning of TVET students," she said.

The Vice-Chancellor of Kumasi Technical University, Ing. Prof. Osei-Wusu Achaw was thankful to DTI for the opportunity for KsTU to champion the implementation of the Precision Quality Curriculum.

He believes this will propel KsTU to become a world class technical university.

Ing. Prof. Achaw called on industrial stakeholders to collaborate with Technical Universities in Ghana to train and empower students to reinvent the future with a strong focus through hands-on constructions and internship opportunities.

“The world is evolving, and Precision Quality Curriculum will provide in-depth knowledge, requisite skills and a platform for students to position themselves to solve Africa’s challenges,” he said.