KNUST FORMER VICE-CHANCELLOR UNDERSCORES NEED FOR ENHANCED QUALITY OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING.

A former Vice-Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Adarkwa, is calling for greater national attention to quality in vocational and technical training.

Professor Kwasi Kwafo Adarkwa says it is the only way to encourage trainees to establish businesses and employ others. The professor of Planning is worried technical and vocational education continues to be relegated to the background in the face of growing unemployment.

‘All of us stakeholders have a role to play starting from the government. I call for massive infusion of investment resources into the vocational and technical institutions in the country. Look at the classrooms, the laboratory and the workshops, all have to be revitalized and reinvested. As we have now, Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (COTVET) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) can begin to monitor the quality of programs in these institutions,’ he said.

‘With the vocational institutions in the country, I am asking them to re-evaluate their curricula, this way they can become more in tune with the current trend in the job market.’

He urged parents to contribute through the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) by paying attention and providing what is due them.

Professor Adarkwa spoke at the 9th graduation ceremony of Ramseyer Vocational and Training Institute in Kumasi. Eighty-six students graduated in fashion design, catering, and electrical technology, block laying and concreting.

Meanwhile, the 36 year-old Presbyterian school is the only vocational and technical institution selected in the Ashanti Region to run a 4-year course in catering, block laying and concreting for unemployed youth.
The school is due to introduce auto vehicle mechanic, draught-manship and advanced courses to upgrade the skills of trainees as well.

PRINCE APPIAH