Private Sector’s Role in TVET Curriculum Development Emphasized at Ghana Roundtable

ACCRA: Private sector involvement in curriculum development for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is crucial to ensuring that the content remains relevant and up-to-date, according to Professor Humphrey Danso, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies at the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED). Prof Danso highlighted that private companies could provide valuable insights into emerging trends and technologies, which should be incorporated into educational programs. According to Ghana News Agency, Prof Danso shared his views during a roundtable discussion on Private Sector Engagement and Partnership in TVET, organized by GIZ-Pact for Skills as part of the Project Support to the Transformation of the TVET System in Ghana. The engagement was part of the inaugural Africa Skills Week, which aimed to foster dialogue between public and private sectors on enhancing private sector involvement in TVET to improve educational and employment outco mes. The event also explored industry partnerships and showcased best practices across Africa. The Africa Skills Week, hosted by the Government of Ghana and organized by the African Union, underscored the importance of skills development in enhancing employability, entrepreneurship, and economic resilience in Africa. The event aimed to facilitate the exchange of best practices, innovative approaches, and successful initiatives in skills development among stakeholders from Africa and beyond. It provided a platform for policymakers, educators, industry leaders, and other stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue on policies and strategies to strengthen African skills development ecosystems. Prof Danso emphasized that private companies could ensure TVET programs align with current industry standards and future needs, making students' skills directly applicable to the job market. He suggested that companies could invest in TVET institutions by providing funding, equipment, and expertise, thus enhancing th e quality of training and giving students access to state-of-the-art technology. Furthermore, the private sector could facilitate work-based learning opportunities such as internships, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training, providing students with practical experience. He noted that private sector involvement could help close the skills gap by aligning training programs with actual industry needs, ensuring graduates are workforce-ready, and contributing to economic growth. "A skilled workforce drives productivity and innovation, which in turn fuels economic growth," Prof Danso added. Companies investing in training and development often experience higher employee satisfaction and retention, he said, highlighting that such partnerships create job opportunities and foster economic stability. Madam Constance Swaniker, Chairperson of the Sector Skills Committee, stressed the importance of having facilitators at TVET centers who come from industry backgrounds and are trained to significantly impact learners. She called for investment in the training of these facilitators, whose skills are lacking on the African continent. Dr. Anthony Gewer, a representative from the National Business Initiative South Africa, echoed the sentiment, stating that TVET alone could not meet all industry demands, making work-based training crucial. He added that while TVET cannot resolve all economic challenges, it can contribute to development. Mr. Benedict Mensah, a representative from the Don Bosco Training Institute, urged the government to enforce labor laws and ensure industry standards, cautioning against the exploitation of students on industrial attachments.