In a bid to tackle high unemployment, the Career Services Centre at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) is championing an employment drive at a career fair.

The intervention aims to close the gap between education and employment by affording students direct networking opportunities with potential employers.

Students who participated in the fair were exposed to tailored social connections relevant to their field of study including top companies and experts.

With a student population of over 85 thousand, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology provides a wide pool of young people with diverse professional qualifications hoping to be absorbed into industries.

The industries, however, are limited, presenting few opportunities.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Selina Angmor, the Director of the Career Services Centre at KNUST said the fair is to serve as a pivotal platform for students to explore diverse career paths, secure internships and job placements.

“KNUST Career Services Centre underscores the University's commitment to equip students with resources and opportunities, to enable them to realize their utmost potential, as they build on their entrepreneurial acumen, and become internationally competitive.

"The Centre stands as a beacon of hope and a nexus of opportunities, providing indispensable guidance, support, and resources to navigate the complexities of career paths, with unwavering confidence and determination", she said.

The 2024 career fair provided industries and business champions a stage to lay bare opportunities, networking and mentorship advantages available for students.

Vice Chancellor of KNUST, Prof. Akosua Rita Dickson, commended the Career Services Centre for overseeing a career-changing occasion for students.

“I would like to thank the captains and executives of all the companies gathered here. I encourage all students to make the most of this fair and speak to as many employers and recruiters as possible. The acquaintances you make today can set your future careers. We are grateful to the Career Centre Services team and all our sponsors,” she said.

On his part, the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Wilson Agyari, reiterated KNUST’s commitment to ensuring skilled youth are industrious.

“Businesses are evolving. There is the need for students to be equipped with these experiences and dynamics and that is what the events seeks to provide. With this our students will come out with skills provided directly by these industries,” he said.

The career fair was in collaboration with GCB Bank, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation Foundation (GNPC), Development Fount, GRASAG KNUST and the SRC.

HR Risk and Operations Manager of GCB Bank, Peter Bosrotsi, said the institution is committed to nurturing future leaders of businesses.

“We are focusing on the next 70 years and some of you would probably have children or your grandchildren working for GCB.

“This is why we are excited to be part of the fair. We are interested in identifying and preparing talents and that is what together with the Career Service Centre, we seek to achieve. We hope our next MD is sitting among you [students],” he said.

Deputy Manager of the GNPC Foundation, Dr. Caroline Aggrey-Fynn, urged the youth to commit to developing their entrepreneurial skills so as to be self-reliant.

“GNPC aligns with the government’s vision to equip the youth with entrepreneurial skills. By nurturing these skills, young people can create their opportunities and in turn, such individuals can employ others. It is not enough to graduate with first and second classes.

“Remember that your attitude in the workplace can set you apart from others. The world is championing creativity. Entrepreneurship provides a path to self-sufficiency. The fair has been designed for you so take advantage and make the most of it,” she said.

Glico Life Insurance, Star Assurance, CBG, Ecobank Ghana PLC, Republic Bank, National Signals Bureau, Quality Insurance Company (QIC), Education USA, Ghana Export Promotion Centre, Prudential Life Insurance, Hadsback Group of Companies, Enterprise Life Insurance, Broadspectrum Africa, Agrocrown West Africa, Axis Human Capital, Springboard Roadshow Foundation and many other organizations participated in the fair.

In the students competitions, Miss Nana Abrefi Opoku Phillipa emerged as the Orator of the Year. Miss Doreenda Nti won the Sales and Marketing Pitch, and Nana Agyei Gyebi was adjudged the winner of the Social Impact Competition.

The winners received plaques and cash prizes for their outstanding performances.