The Design and Technology Institute (DTI) has launched three Programme Advisory Committees (PACs) to produce industry-ready students for the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector.
With support from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the three committees constitute Solutions Programme Advisory Committee, Design Innovation Advisory Committee and Entrepreneurship Programme Advisory Committee.
Members of the Solutions Committee include the Assistant Head of Institute, Dr Abigail Mercy Opong Tetteh ; Head of Welding and Fabrication Department, Isaac Tetteh; Solutions Facilitator, Mr Philip Adu Takyi, and Mr Solomon Kattah – Expert in OSHA and QA/QC,
The others are Mr Simon Acquah – Expert in Standards and Conformity Assessment, Mr Zennith Edzeamah George – Expert in Welding and Fabrication, Mr Francis Eshun – Strategic Planning and Fund Raising, and Mr Jesse Agbenyega – Management Professional.
The Design Innovation Advisory Committee consists of Mr Martin Dartey – Academics, Sammie Agyepong – Multimedia and Brand Consultant, Bernard Sokpe – Brand marketing Consultant, Tony Tometey – Professional Set Designer, Ayerkie Nanor – TV Producer, Nicholas Korblah Tali – Product Development, Paul Asiedu – Mechanical Engineer and Steven Annang Botchway – NVTI Curriculum Development.
Mr Edward Boateng, Mr Andrews Cudjoe, Mr Charles Amonoo, Miss Daisy Mina Antwi, Mr Paul Essiedu and Angela Asifo would serve on the Entrepreneurship Programme Advisory Committee.
The founder and Chief Executive Officer of DTI, Ms Constance Elizabeth Swaniker, launching the committees in Accra on Friday, said the establishment of the industry-academia Programme Advisory Committees by the DTI was the first of its kind in Ghana by a TVET institution, and would bridge the industry-academia divide by ensuring that trainees are abreast of contemporary industry trends to make them ready for the world of work.
She said the committees would advise, advocate and assist DTI in the development of experiential education for learners that aligns with industry and market needs, adding, “They will focus on curriculum development, ensure quality standards, enhance student experience, and improve employment opportunities for learners”.
Mr Peter P. Constantinou (PhD), IFC Expert, said the partnership was to provide relevant training opportunities for young people in Ghana and the sub-region.
He reiterated the importance of the PACs “at the heart of all the work that DTI does is to put students and their success as what drives them. Working with industry led advisory bodies ensures that the curriculum is relevant for current and future jobs”.
An engineer and a member of the Design Innovation committee, Mr Paul Asiedu, commended DTI for launching the Programme Advisory Committee to bridge the gap between industry and academia.
He admonished members of the committees to be committed and give off their best to train the younger generation.
“If we want our country’s future to be better, we must choose to invest wisely in the next generation. This is the opportunity for us to pour out ourselves to help create a better path for the future generation. It’s a call to redefine where we want to go as a nation by investing in these young people,” Mr Asiedu said.
BY VIVIAN ARTHUR
