Kumasi: Tutors from the Construction Department of Kumasi Technical Institute (KTI) have undergone specialised training in ceiling and partitioning systems to enhance their practical skills. The one-day hands-on capacity-building workshop was funded by the Ghana Skills Development Fund (GSDF), under the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET). It aimed to align teaching methods with current trends in the construction industry.
According to Ghana News Agency, participants were introduced to contemporary ceiling designs, drywall partitioning, acoustic insulation, and the use of modern construction tools and materials. The objective was to boost their practical competencies to improve the delivery of technical education and better prepare students for industry demands. Mr. Gabriel Kingsford Osei, Principal of KTI, emphasized the significance of the training for both the tutors and the broader technical education ecosystem.
Mr. Osei stated, ‘This training is a game-changer for our department. It ensures that our tutors remain current with industry practices, which is crucial in training students who can compete globally.’ He explained that the workshop is part of a wider strategy to empower tutors with first-hand experience and modern skills to transfer knowledge effectively, particularly to apprentices and workers in the informal sector. He commended the GSDF for its commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry.
Professional facilitators from the Manufacturing Tools Centre led the session, demonstrating the use of advanced tools and equipment and guiding tutors through step-by-step installations of modern ceiling and partition systems. The tutors were trained on applying the latest techniques in commercial and residential interior finishing, an area that is seeing increasing demand in Ghana’s building sector.
Mr. Osei further highlighted the institute’s dedication to continuous professional development, revealing that KTI plans to replicate similar workshops in other key areas such as tiling, plumbing, electrical wiring, and roofing. He also used the opportunity to encourage parents and guardians to guide their wards, especially 2025 BECE candidates, to consider enrolling in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. ‘The future of Ghana lies in skills development. We need more young people to embrace vocational training to meet the demands of our growing industries,’ he urged.
One participant noted, ‘This training not only enriches the classroom experience but also equips us to supervise student practicals more effectively.’