DTI signs MoU with KNUST to produce industry-ready graduates

The Design and Technology Institute (DTI), a world class TVET training institute has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.

The MoU is meant to strengthen the implementation of the Precision Quality curriculum.

The main aim is to help the university produce excellent professionals in the TVET space.

Chief Executive of DTI, Ms. Constance Elizabeth Swaniker said that the action is going to bridge the gap between academia and the world of work.

She emphasized on the need for industry professionals to work closely with the universities to train industry-ready students.

“Industry will tell you that this is not a training ground, it is the role of the university to train and ensure that our students transition well into the world of work.

“And are also ready to be employed. I also realised how industry will stop complaining and work more closely with academia. And so, I present to you a curriculum that I designed alongside industry professionals that I worked with to bring to institutions such as KNUST and other technical universities industry ready insights,” she said.

Ms. Constance Elizabeth Swaniker believes that graduates will find jobs if they are highly equipped in their area of specialty.

“It is possible for every graduate from here regardless of what you studied to be able to land a job. It is possible to land a job in an oil and gas company, a mining company and even your dream job. You should be able to land your dream job because you have everything it takes,” she said.

The MoU with KNUST forms part of DTI’s collaborative strategy to work with stakeholders to reach the objective under the “Transforming youth TVET livelihood for sustainable jobs project” in partnership with the MasterCard Foundations ‘Young Africa Work strategy’.

Under the project, DTI would recruit and train 1000 youth in precision fabrication and work readiness, improve on the work skills and practices of 500 master craft persons and 1000 SMES through the Precision Quality (PQ) training programme.

The PQ training programme was developed by industry players and certified by the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET) for introduction into the academic studies of technical universities.

The Pro Vice-chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Prof. Ellis Owusu-Dabo expressed his gratitude and highlighted that this is a step towards achieving the University’s goal of empowering students with industrial competence.

“So, this is why we are excited today that this marks the beginning of yet another step towards achieving our goals in excellence in education

“And ensuring that what we do reflects the academic disposition of our students,” he said.