Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) recently concluded a four-day Continuous Professional Development (CPD) training program for its technicians and laboratory managers. Spearheaded by the Office of the Vice Chancellor and executed by the KNUST E-Learning Centre and the International Programmes Office, the training was conducted in partnership with the UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy.
The event commenced with an opening speech from the Vice Chancellor of KNUST, Professor Mrs. Rita Akosua Dickson, who emphasized the crucial role of technicians in the academic and research activities at the university. “Technicians are the backbone of our laboratories, workshops, and facilities,” she stated, highlighting the importance of equipping them with the latest tools and techniques to excel in their roles.
The training, which took place from April 13 to April 16, covered a wide range of topics, including career progression, health and safety protocols, equipment maintenance, and emerging technologies. The aim was to enhance collaboration, networking, and knowledge sharing among participants, thereby fostering their professional growth and improving the university’s overall academic environment.
The Dean of the International Programmes Office, Professor Daniel Yaw Addae Duah, expressed gratitude for the partnership with the UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy. He urged participants to take the training seriously, noting its potential to offer unique career opportunities.
Director of the Centre for Capacity Building and Innovation (CCBI), Dr. Yaw Amo Sarfo, reiterated the CCBI’s commitment to professional training, while Assistant Registrar of the Human Resource Department, Anthony Kuufare, discussed the promotion structure and criteria for technical staff at KNUST, prompting calls for a review of the service scheme. Learning and Development Manager with the UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy, Ruth Francis, presented on developing professional development plans, identifying learning needs, and managing work-life balance.
Dr. Sulemana Alhassan from the Environmental Science Department provided insights into occupational health risks and safety. Participants engaged in group exercises to better understand health and safety standards. The final day included group discussions on the impact of their learnings, with presentations on university ethics and workplace romance by Professor Edmund Ekuadzi from the Department of Pharmacognosy.
Technicians Kofi Ansah, Jeremiah Tawiah Takyi, and Lydia Nnipaa Kumi shared their positive experiences, highlighting the practical skills gained and the training’s impact on their roles. The CPD training at KNUST represents a significant step towards the university’s commitment to continuous improvement, setting a benchmark for professional development in higher education institutions across the country.