KNUST Holds 4-Day CPD Training for Technicians: Picture this: every lab at the university runs like clockwork, every piece of equipment is in top condition, and all safety protocols are in place. At the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, that is exactly what is happening with the revolutionizing initiative targeted at the empowerment of technical staff.
KNUST Holds 4-Day CPD Training for Technicians
The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has just completed a four-day long Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Training Program for the technicians and laboratory managers of the University. The Office of the Vice-Chancellor successfully organized and run the program through the facilitation of the KNUST E-Learning Centre and the International Programmes Office in collaboration with the UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy. This initiative goes to reaffirm the university’s commitment to excellence and improvement.
Training Highlights
The CPD training, which stretched from April 13 to April 16, was well tailored to suit the peculiar needs of KNUST’s technical staff. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mrs. Rita Akosua Dickson, in launching the program, indicated same to be significant. \”Technicians form the backbone of our laboratories, workshops, and facilities ensuring smooth running in these areas and offering invaluable support to our faculty, researchers, and students,\” she indicated.
Key topics treated were:
Career Progression: Knowing the pathways for development of an individual’s career within the university.
Health and safety protocols: Implementing maximum best practices for a safe working environment.
Equipment Maintenance: Learn about practices in the maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment.
Emerging Technologies: Staying up to date with technological developments related to academic environments.
Collaborative Efforts
Professor Daniel Yaw Addae Duah, who represented the Dean of the International Programmes Office, thanked the UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy for its collaboration. He urged participants to embrace the training, as he believed it could present them with unmatched opportunities.
Dr. Yaw Amo Sarfo took participants through the various professional training programmes championed by the CCBI. Anthony Kuufare, Assistant Registrar of the Human Resource Department, outlined the promotion structure and criteria of technical staff; this created a clarion call for a fast review of the service scheme.
Ruth Francis of the UK Institute facilitated sessions to create a professional development plan, identify learning needs, and manage the work-life balance. Dr. Sulemana Alhassan, Environmental Science Department, presented findings on occupational health risks and safety as identified through group exercises.
Positive Outcomes and Future Directions
On the closing day, participants were grouped by colleges to review their learnings and consider the practical applications at their various workplaces. Professor Edmund Ekuadzi from the Department of Pharmacognosy talked to them about the ethical issues involved and the need for professional integrity.
The participants discussed what they have learned in readiness for practice. For Kofi Ansah of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and a field technician, the practical skills acquired were invaluable. Jeremiah Tawiah Takyi and Lydia Nnipaa Kumi of the College of Art and Built Environment and the College of Engineering respectively shared similar experiences and indicated their relevance to their roles.
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