DTI Links Graduates to Jobs at Kumasi Opportunities Fair

 

The Design and Technology Institute (DTI), in partnership with Kumasi Technical Institute (KTI) and its Precision Quality Internship (PQI) sub-implementing partner, Accents & Art, hosted the 2026 DTI Jobs and Opportunities Fair alongside the graduation ceremony of the latest PQI cohort. 

The joint event created a structured platform connecting skilled youth to industry players across the Ashanti Region — translating competency-based training into tangible employment, enterprise, and incubation pathways.

Held on Wednesday at the KTI campus under the theme “Empowering the Next Generation through Precision, Quality, Innovation and Local Industry for Sustainable Careers,” the day-long event convened jobseekers, employers, MSMEs, training institutions, financial institutions and ecosystem stakeholders.

Graduation Marks Significant Transition

A total of 228 young people graduated from the six-month Precision Quality Internship Programme.

The ceremony opened with an academic procession and a keynote address by Engr. Richard Addo-Gyamfi, Regional Director of the Ghana TVET Service, who emphasised the centrality of precision, quality and innovation in preparing young people for a competitive labour market.

“If we are to drive productivity efficiently in the job market, our training should look at these qualities,” he said. “Innovation is very important. You cannot talk about TVET without these three pillars.”

Madam Bernice Gavor, General Manager of Accents & Art and DTI’s key industry partner, highlighted the realities of youth unemployment in Kumasi, noting that many young people lack access to structured skills training, mentorship, and start-up capital.

The ceremony featured:

1 An industry panel discussion

•A project exhibition showcasing learner-led practical outputs1

• Graduate testimonials

• A fashion runway presentation by trainee

The exhibition provided tangible evidence of technical competence and industry readiness, with projects assessed against real-world production standards.

Valedictorian Felix Owusu said the programme had reshaped his understanding of workplace expectations:

“PQ^TM has not just prepared me for the industry but has shaped my understanding of the business world with the soft skills aspect,” he stated.

Training Converts to Jobs and Enterprise

DTI announced that 211 job opportunities had already been secured for graduates across various trades. Additionally, 40 graduates received startup kits to support microenterprise creation, while five others will progress into the Innovation and Incubation Hub for further mentorship and business development.

Mr. Benedict Boakye, Vice Principal of KTI, delivered the welcome address. Mr. George Osei of DTI inducted the new alumni, with special recognitions presented to outstanding trainees and contributors to the programme.

Jobs and Opportunities Fair Opens Direct Industry Pathways

Following the graduation ceremony, the Jobs and Opportunities Fair commenced at 12:25 p.m., with over 26 companies mounting exhibition booths on the KTI lawn.More than 1,000 young people participated in the fair.

The event forms part of DTI’s broader strategy to align skills development with labour market demand by creating practical platforms for job matching, apprenticeship placement and enterprise development.

Careersupport activities included:

• Business Clinics facilitated by Fidelity Bank, covering entrepreneurship, marketing, customer acquisition and local value chain opportunities.

• CV Clinics run by Jobberman Ghana, offering guidance on résumé development and job search strategies.

• Employer Spotlight and Networking Sessions, which enabled onthespot interviews for jobs, internships and apprenticeships.

Exhibiting organisations represented sectors such as manufacturing, engineering, construction, creative arts, ICT, automotive services, energy and technical trades.

Industry Partners Endorse Programme

Industry leaders expressed strong endorsement for the initiative.

Madam Hawah Braimah, CEO of Akao Skills Development, said:

“What I witnessed today and what the youth have been able to do blows my mind. I wish they would take more training, more workplace experience learning, and engage more with entrepreneurs.”

Engr. AddoGyamfi reaffirmed TVET Service’s commitment to sustaining the partnership, noting that the Service viewed DTI’s work as critical to enhancing youth employability.

Madam Gavor emphasised that Kumasi’s industrial potential remains underutilised by young people, many of whom migrate to Accra in search of opportunities.

“Kumasi is a major economic hub,” she said. “Yet many skilled young people remain disconnected from these opportunities.”

Bridging the Skills Gap through Precision Quality

The PQ^TM Internship Programme equips unemployed youth aged 18–35 with handson technical training, soft skills, mentorship and real production experience. The initiative is implemented in Kumasi, Tamale, Accra and Hope, and funded by the Mastercard Foundation, making it free for eligible participants.

“With Precision Quality^TM Internships, we want to bridge the gap between academia and employment,” Madam Gavor explained. “We are focused on a competencybased approach that ensures trainees gain practical, industryready skills.”

Enrollment for the upcoming Precision Quality™ Internship cohort at KTI is currently ongoing. For more information, visit: https://pqi.dtiafrica.com/

Driving Regional Impact

The 2026 Jobs and Opportunities Fair is expected to significantly increase youth access to employment, apprenticeships and enterprise pathways, while strengthening employer adoption of Precision Quality standards across the Ashanti Region.