20 Sunyani Technical University Staff to Participate in E-Vehicle Fundamentals Training in Canada

Sunyani Technical University (STU) is preparing to send 20 of its staff members to Fanshawe College of Engineering in London, Ontario, Canada, for training in Electric Vehicle Fundamentals. This initiative follows a partnership between STU and Fanshawe College, which secured a CAD 470,000 grant under the Canadian government’s BCDI 2030 Scholarships program. The training aims to equip staff with specialized knowledge to support the university’s growing focus on electric vehicle technology and related research.

Ing. Prof. Kwadwo Adinkrah-Appiah, Vice-Chancellor of STU, confirmed that the visa application process for the selected participants is nearly complete. The staff members will travel to Canada from January 17 to February 2, 2025, to attend a two-week train-the-trainer program, with additional online training upon their return to Ghana. Two members of the university’s management team will accompany them during the training. Upon their return, the trained staff will help the university develop and offer programs on electric vehicle fundamentals, while also supporting research and development at the Ghana Gas Centre of Excellence for Electric Vehicles and Industrial Welding Technologies at STU.

In his speech during the 17th Congregation of the university in Sunyani, Prof. Adinkrah-Appiah highlighted that STU currently offers 87 accredited academic programs, including 11 Master of Technology (M-Tech) courses, 28 bachelor’s programs (BTech and BSc.), 23 Higher National Diplomas (HND), five diploma programs, and 20 non-tertiary TVET programs. He emphasized that the university continues to expand its academic offerings to meet the needs of students and industry.

The Vice-Chancellor also announced that the university has introduced new Apprenticeship and TVET training programs at the National Proficiency I (NP1) and National Certificate I (NC1) levels, in alignment with the National TVET Qualifications Framework and supported by CTVET. Three fully sponsored Certificate/Apprenticeship programs are already underway at STU, benefiting students from various trade sectors.

Under Phase IV of the Ghana TVET Voucher Project (GTVP), STU is training 80 Master Craft Persons (MCPs) from different trade associations at the NP1 level, using the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. This eight-month training, fully funded by KfW/GIZ, is free for learners. Additionally, 120 apprentices connected to these MCPs are undergoing six months of training, also sponsored by KfW/GIZ.

Furthermore, STU has received accreditation from CTVET to offer training in nine trade areas, such as Electronics Engineering Technology, Automotive Engineering Technology, Computer Software Development, and Welding and Fabrication, at the NC1 level. The training, which will last one year, is supported by World Bank funding. Registration for the programs is currently ongoing, with nearly 900 prospective learners already signed up. The courses will begin in January 2025, and applicants only need to have completed Junior High School (JHS) or Senior High School (SHS) to be eligible for enrollment.

Prof. Adinkrah-Appiah urged both local and international students to seize the opportunity to enroll in these industry-driven programs at STU. He stressed that the university’s focus on practical, hands-on training will equip students with the technical and professional skills needed for employability and entrepreneurship. The goal is to reduce the country’s high unemployment rate by preparing graduates who are ready to contribute to the workforce and drive innovation across various sectors.

The Vice-Chancellor concluded by reaffirming the university’s commitment to offering high-quality education and training that aligns with industry demands, helping to shape a skilled workforce for Ghana’s future. He encouraged all prospective students to consider enrolling in these innovative programs, which are designed to provide them with the skills necessary to succeed in today’s competitive job market.