Accra Technical University (ATU) has launched a state-of-the-art Precision Welding Demonstration Centre and Innovation Hub, thanks to a major upgrade by the Design & Technology Institute (DTI). The handover ceremony took place on May 22, 2025, marking a major step in strengthening industry-academia collaboration in Ghana.
This upgrade is part of the ‘Transforming Youth TVET Livelihoods’ project, a partnership between DTI and the Mastercard Foundation. The project promotes Precision Welding Training by introducing the Precision Quality (PQ) programme across eight technical institutions, including ATU.
The PQ model encourages a shift in mindset. It pushes students and professionals to value precision, quality, and global standards in services, products, and processes. The goal is to increase employment opportunities and raise the quality of Ghana’s workforce.
DTI signed an MOU with ATU on March 4, 2025. This agreement formalised a partnership to embed the PQ curriculum into academic programmes.
The partnership focuses on:
Integrating PQ into relevant courses to help graduates transition into the workforce.
Running a six-month upskilling programme for unemployed youth aged 16–35.
Enhancing the university’s Career Centre to help students start small businesses.
Fifteen instructors and Academic Scale Advisors (ASAs) have already completed training in the PQ model. In the first year, 766 students from various departments enrolled in the programme.
The Precision Welding Hub features modern tools and upgraded classrooms. Over the next three years, ATU will use these facilities to train students in welding and fabrication. The project also retooled departments like Electrical and Electronics, Fashion Design, Hospitality, and Business Skills. The total investment reached 2.1 million Ghana Cedis.
DTI plans to train 100 ASAs at four technical universities during the next three years. This effort supports the national goal of improving technical and vocational education.
Ms. Constance Elizabeth Swaniker, DTI’s Founder and President, explained the PQ curriculum’s importance. She said the curriculum equips young people with skills that lead to better job opportunities and meet global demands.
Eng. Prof. Amevi Acakpovi, ATU’s Acting Vice-Chancellor, praised the collaboration. “This hub helps us redefine technical education,” he said. “It links classroom learning with industry needs and gives students practical, job-ready skills.”
The ‘Transforming Youth TVET Livelihoods’ project aims to train 31,540 young people in inclusive, dual TVET programmes. It will also support 50,467 youth in finding jobs or starting businesses, with a strong focus on women and persons with disabilities.
The new centre highlights Ghana’s ongoing commitment to preparing its youth for competitive, high-quality employment.
