The Design & Technology Institute (DTI) has handed over a refurbished and upgraded ‘Welding Demonstration Centre and Innovation Hub’ to Accra Technical University (ATU), to advance practical technical training.
The initiative, which Mastercard funded under its ‘Transforming Youth TVET Livelihoods’ project,’ aims to strengthen industry-academia collaboration in implementing the Precision Quality (PQ) curriculum, designed to enhance the delivery of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Ghana.
PQ emphasises the importance of exactness and accuracy in manufacturing and service industries, ensuring high-quality products and services. It highlights the value of precision in finishing production in industrial processes, services and operations to deliver world-class standards.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the DTI and ATU governing the transformative project outlines key deliverables, including integrating the PQ curriculum into relevant courses to support the transition of graduates into the workforce, support unemployed alumni and young individuals aged 16-35 by providing a six-month upskilling programme to assist them transition into industry, and to enhance the university’s career centre to offer resources and support to selected learners to establish small businesses.
For effective attainment of key performance indicators (KPIs), 15 Academic Scale Advisors (ASAs) and instructors from ATU have undergone specialised training in the PQ curriculum.
These pioneering facilitators are critical to ensuring that students graduate with industry-aligned skills. Additionally, over the next three years, a total of 100 ASAs will be trained to scale this initiative across institutions.
Founder and President of DTI, Constance Swaniker, remarked that ATU is one of eight TVET institutions to be adopted to implement the PQ training programme.
“These centres feature state-of-the-art precision hand tools and facilitation rooms used across departments, including ‘Precision Welding and Fabrication’, Fashion Design and Textiles.
“ATU, Ghana’s premier technical university, was chosen not only for its approximately 29,000-strong student body and strategic location in the heart of Accra, but also for its steadfast commitment to developing young people’s practical skills. Despite limited resources, the university continues to strive for excellence and relevance in TVET—a drive that perfectly aligns with DTI’s mission,” she said.
Touching on inclusivity and gender equality, she reiterated that DTI is committed to gender equality and disability inclusion. “We will collaborate with four technical universities and four pre-tertiary technical institutes to attract more young women and individuals with disabilities into the project,” she said.
Acting Vice-Chancellor (VC), ATU, Prof. Amevi Acakpovi, described the refurbished facility as more than just an educational structure. “It is a strategic platform for skills development and economic empowerment,” he said.
He noted that the facility would be open to students, unemployed graduates and industry to upgrade and sharpen their skills while also generating internal revenue through commercial services, certification programmes and short courses.
Deputy Minister of Education, Clement Apaak, in a speech read on his behalf, commended Mastercard, DTI and other industry partners for such an innovative initiative, describing it as a benchmark for industry-academia partnership.
Project scope
The original MoU between DTI and ATU was focused on refurbishing the Precision Welding Demonstration Centre. However, as the collaboration deepened, the scope of work was significantly expanded to include upgrading and renovating the fashion workshop, retooling the electrical and electronics workshop, and making improvements to the hospitality centre and institutional management.
The project also retooled laboratories in Electrical/Electronics, Hospitality, Catering and Institutional Management, with a total investment value of approximately GH₵2.1million.
Accra Regional Chair of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Tsonam Cleanse Akpeloo, mentioned that the initiative is vital for the intended transformation of technical universities from construction hubs into springboards for innovation, entrepreneurship and long-term development.
