The Design and Technology Institute (DTI) emphasized the importance of collaborations between industry and academia in promoting skill enhancement and employment opportunities during its Jobs and 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 national progress via guidance, work placements, and practical development of essential skills.
Theme: "The Career Expedition: Pathways, Partnerships, Possibilities – A Mindset Journey towards Self-discovery," the event extended beyond conventional job hiring, emphasizing personal and professional growth.
Student volunteers took part in practical soft skills development, career counseling, and chances to connect with others, providing them with the necessary resources to succeed in the current challenging employment landscape.
The event took place alongside breakout session workshops, giving students the opportunity to present real-world projects, resulting in interactive talent-matching opportunities between employers and job candidates.
The sessions and interactive workshops explored the evolving nature of employment, shifts in mental approaches, and the demands of the industry.
DTI's President, Constance Swaniker, strongly encouraged young people to acquire skills that are currently in high demand, referring to them as the "new form of opportunity" in a quickly 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, employers, and decision-makers.
She emphasized that at the DTI, the emphasis goes beyond training young individuals to enter the job market, but rather aims to prepare them to generate value, innovate systems, and lead industries.
We are convinced that changing mindsets is the foundation of national change. Without the correct mindset, even the best-planned efforts will not succeed.
"It is insufficient to teach young individuals only technical abilities. We need to also influence their values, their perspective, and their capacity to deal with complexity through bravery and inquisitiveness," she stated.
The event provided a vibrant setting for students to discover various career opportunities, highlighting how collaborative efforts can foster youth empowerment and contribute to national progress, 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 distinguished guest.
"I am aware that since 2016, DTI has continuously strived to transform TVET throughout 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 precise, effective actions required.
He stated, 'We need to intentionally foster similar partnerships in other industries, such as farming, digital innovation, arts, and the sustainable economy, to increase possibilities for everyone.'
DTI remains at the forefront of addressing the skills gap and developing long-term career opportunities for Ghana's future workforce.
The event was more than a job fair—it served as a powerful call to action for innovation, shifting perspectives, and empowering young people.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).