Accra Technical University has organised its FlexLab Junior Consultant Roadshow with the support of German Cooperation projects under the Special Initiative “Decent Work for a Just Transition” through sequa gGmbH. The two projects are coordinated in Ghana by two German associations; the Federation of German Wholesale, Foreign Trade, and Services (BGA) and the AFOS Foundation for Entrepreneurial Development Cooperation (AFOS).
Delivering the keynote address, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of ATU, Professor Amevi Acakpovi, stressed the crucial role of digital tools in solving pressing societal problems. He pointed out that as a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution, ATU’s mandate is to prepare students with the skills needed to be self-reliant in the job market, particularly in a country facing significant unemployment challenges. He further announced the university’s Centre for Entrepreneurship and Incubation Services, (CEIS) which focuses on equipping students with entrepreneurial skills to transform ideas into sustainable ventures. Professor Ernest Winful, a key member of the project’s coordination team, described the Junior Consultant initiative as a platform to promote employability. He noted that the project’s primary goal is to provide participants with practical digital skills, preparing them to tackle industry challenges.
Hannah Schlingmann of AFOS expressed her outfit’s excitement about being part of the project. She announced the launch of the 4th cohort of the Junior Consultant programme, which will have a special focus on empowering young women by raising awareness and facilitating placement services within the global workforce. The event featured presentations by Junior Consultants, who had spent the previous two to three weeks developing digital solutions to challenges faced by companies in the agricultural sector. These students collaborated with companies such as SPEG, SHEPAG, and ASPEG to design mobile applications and websites aimed at addressing operational issues within the sector.
Christopher Mars from BGA German Cooperation shared his experience of working with the Junior Consultants, expressing his satisfaction with the solutions presented and encouraging more stakeholders to support the initiative in achieving its long-term goals.
The FlexiLab Junior Consultant Roadshow forms part of the broader BGA Project, which is backed by BGA, AFOS, and Accra Technical University and funded by the German Cooperation, Invest for Jobs, and Sequa, aiming to equip students with practical digital skills to solve industry-specific challenges.
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