The Design & Technology Institute has partnered with the Mastercard Foundation to transform Youth Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) livelihoods across West Africa.

In 2020, the Institute, one of Africa’s foremost metal fabrication experts, was approached by the Foundation. The partnership aimed to create 1,000 opportunities for the youth to benefit from DTI education.

The three-year Transforming Youth TVET Livelihoods for Sustainable Jobs program commenced in June 2020 and ended in May 2023.

It was designed to deliver precision fabrication training and work readiness skills to 1,000 talented youth at the highest global standards.

It also aimed to boost access to quality employment-oriented skills training for women, low-income, and vulnerable groups.

The program focused on rolling out precision quality training for master craftsmen, SMEs, and corporates as well as technical universities nationwide.

It collaborated with the Ghana Standards Authority and COTVET to shape national TVET policy, promote standards, and implement an effective regulatory and certification regime.

The program also aimed to design and test innovative prototypes for industrial products and components demanded by local supply chains.

One-third of the learners were female, provided they met the admission criteria.

Constance Swaniker, the founder and CEO of the Institute, emphasized their commitment to reskilling and upscaling the youth.

“One-third of our learners are graduates, and 70% of the curriculum is very hands-on. We use state-of-the-art equipment used in the industry, ensuring young people are fully equipped to use the equipment they will encounter in their careers.”

Over the past three years, more than 1,000 people have been trained. Swaniker expressed excitement about the partnership's progress, noting, “Quite a number of them are doing very well.”

Hakim Asah, one of the beneficiaries, shared his experience. He had ideas but lacked mentorship, training, and financial support to pursue his dreams.

“When I heard about the DTI and Mastercard Foundation partnership, I saw it as an opportunity I had to grab,” he said. After graduation, Asah innovated a groundnut separator machine to assist farmers in Wa.

Another beneficiary from Kumasi, Matilda Adu Adjei, with a first degree in Land Economy from KNUST, found direction at DTI.

“I enjoy doing things with my hands, so I enrolled at DTI without hesitation. I wanted to gain more skills, especially in working with metals.”

Ishmael Lamptey, another program participant, described the training as intensive and impactful. Farida Mohammed, confused about her future after high school, found clarity at DTI.

“I was interested in Design Innovation. The Challenge program taught me how to relate with people, communicate effectively, and boost my self-confidence, which has positively impacted my career.”

Raymond Adu Adjei, a KNUST graduate, struggled to find a job and worked as an Uber driver before discovering DTI.

“I was introduced to computer-aided design, which I fell in love with and greatly benefited from.”

The DTI training program spans 18 months and includes courses in welding and fabrication, entrepreneurship, and digital design.

Students undergo one year of academic work followed by six months of intensive industrial training.