The Design & Technology Institute (DTI) emphasized the essential function of collaborations between industry and academia in promoting skill enhancement and employment opportunities during its Jobs & Opportunities Fair 2025, which took place on the University of Ghana’s premises with more than 50 companies involved.
The event served as a lively demonstration of how education and the business sector can collaborate to inspire young people and promote country growth via guidance, work placements, and other practical skill development.
Themed: “The Career Expedition: Pathways, Partnerships, Possibilities – A Mindset Journey towards Self-discovery,” the event extended beyond conventional hiring practices, emphasizing personal and career growth.
Student volunteers took part in practical sessions focused on developing soft skills, receiving career advice, and accessing networking events, providing them with the necessary resources to succeed in the current challenging employment landscape.
The event took place at the same time as breakout session workshops, during which students had the opportunity to present real-world projects, facilitating interactive talent-matching opportunities between employers and job candidates.
The sessions and interactive workshops explored the evolving nature of employment, shifts in mental approach, and the demands of the industry.
The President of DTI, Constance Swaniker, strongly encouraged young people to develop skills that are currently in high demand, referring to them as the “new form of opportunity” in a constantly changing employment landscape.
She characterized the event as an active venue for demonstrating abilities, promoting discussions within industries, offering guidance, and allowing immediate interaction between students, businesses, and decision-makers.
She emphasized that at the DTI, the emphasis goes beyond merely training young individuals to enter the workforce, but rather preparing them to be value creators, system innovators, and industry leaders.
We are convinced that changing mindsets is the foundation of national change. Without the proper mindset, even the best-planned initiatives may not succeed.
“It’s not sufficient to teach young individuals technical abilities. We also need to influence their values, their perspective, and their capacity to handle complexity with bravery and inquisitiveness,” she stated.
The event provided a vibrant setting for students to discover various career options, highlighting how collaborative efforts can promote youth empowerment and contribute to the country’s growth, as hundreds of attendees gained valuable interactions with potential employers.
The Minister of Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, praised the DTI for serving as a symbol of change during his speech as the special guest.
“I am aware that since 2016, DTI has continuously strived to transform TVET in Ghana and the continent, leading to the generation of more than 30,000 employment opportunities driven by training aligned with industry needs,” he stated.
He also highlighted DTI’s collaboration with the MasterCard Foundation, which aimed to provide young women and marginalized groups with crucial technical and interpersonal skills, along with an entrepreneurial approach, suggesting that it represents the focused, effective strategies required.
He stated, ‘We need to intentionally foster similar partnerships in other industries, such as farming, digital innovation, creative fields, and the sustainable economy, to increase prospects for everyone.’
DTI remains at the forefront of addressing the skills gap and establishing long-term career opportunities for the upcoming generation in Ghana.
The event was more than a job fair—it served as a powerful call for innovation, transformation in thinking, and the encouragement of young people.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
