KsTU calls for policy shift to keep TVET graduates in Tech fields
The management of Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) has advocated for a policy shift to prevent graduates from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) second-cycle institutions from veering into non-science and non-technical fields.
According to the university, a large number of TVET graduates are not pursuing careers aligned with their training, which weakens their impact on the job market and contributes to Ghana’s rising unemployment rate.
Research suggests that about 45 percent of graduates from TVET institutions transition into unrelated fields, a trend that stakeholders attribute to a disconnect between TVET second-cycle institutions and technical universities.
To address this issue, KsTU has partnered with 38 TVET second-cycle institutions in the Ashanti Region to bridge the gap between training and employment. The initiative aims to strengthen collaboration between TVET institutions and technical universities to ensure that graduates are well-prepared to meet industry demands.
Speaking at the inauguration of the KsTU/TVET Second-Cycle Institutions Implementation Committee, the Vice-Chancellor of KsTU, Prof. Gabriel Dwomoh, emphasized the need for a structured training pipeline that aligns with industry expectations.
“The training of graduates follows a chain, beginning at the basic level, continuing through second-cycle institutions, and then into tertiary education. If there are gaps at any stage, it affects the quality of graduates entering the workforce. However, when properly aligned, students will be better equipped to meet industry expectations by the time they graduate,” he stated.
Prof. Dwomoh further urged other technical universities across the country to adopt similar partnerships with TVET second-cycle institutions within their regions to enhance the continuity of technical education.
“I encourage all technical universities to collaborate with TVET second-cycle institutions, especially within their respective regions. This partnership will help sustain students’ interest in technical education and encourage them to choose technical universities as their preferred tertiary institutions,’ he added.
The Ashanti Regional Deputy Director of TVET, Daniel Amoh, also highlighted the benefits of the collaboration, noting that it will ensure that students are equipped with relevant skills to thrive in Ghana’s increasingly competitive job market.
This initiative by KsTU and its partners is expected to drive economic growth by strengthening the link between technical education and employment, ensuring that graduates fully utilize their technical expertise in relevant industries.
