In a move that shifts the conversation on gender inclusion in engineering from rhetoric to action, Accra Technical University ( ATU) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Nestlé Ghana Limited to train and mentor the next generation of engineers, particularly women for Ghana’s industrial sector.
Timed to coincide with reflections around International Women’s Day, the partnership places female engineering students at the centre of a structured technical training and career development programme designed to bridge academia and industry.
Bridging the gender gap through action
Managing Director of Nestlé Ghana, Mrs Salome Azevedo, described the initiative as a decisive step toward closing the gender gap in engineering.
“Nothing could be better than moving from celebration to action when it comes to bridging the gender gap ,” she said. “This partnership is about building strong women who will go on to develop meaningful careers and contribute to industry.”
She stressed that the collaboration goes beyond symbolism, positioning it as a practical intervention to equip young women with competitive, job-ready skills.
Structured training for industry readiness
At the core of the agreement is the integration of ATU students into Nestlé’s technical training programme, which combines rigorous academic grounding with real-world industrial exposure.
The programme will focus on mechanical, electrical, and electronic engineering students, offering:
- Intensive theoretical and practical training
- Structured internships within Nestlé’s operations
- Mentorship and career development support
- Exposure to industrial processes, teamwork, and project management
Each training cycle will run between three to six months, accommodating up to 20 students per intake. Participants will receive certification upon completion and may be considered for employment opportunities within Nestlé.
Organisers say the model is designed to ensure graduates transition seamlessly from the classroom into the workplace with relevant, in-demand skills.
Closing the academia–industry gap
Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Amevi Acakpovi, underscored the importance of aligning education with industry needs.
“We are not a traditional university that trains only the mind. As a TVET institution, we train both the brain and the hand,” he said.
He noted that while universities often face limitations in infrastructure and time for specialised training, partnerships with industry provide a critical pathway to equip students with practical competencies.
“Students must graduate with skills that match the job market. That is why collaboration with industry is essential,” he added.
Scaling impact through technical education
With a student population of about 36,000, ATU remains one of Ghana’s largest technical universities, offering programmes across engineering, applied sciences, business, and the built environment.
The institution has consistently ranked among the top technical universities in Sub-Saharan Africa, reflecting its growing role in skills development and industrial training.
University officials believe the Nestlé partnership will further strengthen its engineering faculty by providing students with direct access to industry-grade training and career pathways.
Building a pipeline of talent for industry
Beyond immediate training outcomes, the partnership is expected to contribute to a broader national objective, developing a pipeline of skilled engineers capable of supporting Ghana’s industrialisation agenda.
For Nestlé, the initiative also creates a talent pipeline aligned with its operational needs, ensuring access to graduates who are already familiar with industry standards and expectations.
For students, particularly young women, the programme offers a rare opportunity to gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and a clearer pathway into engineering careers.
A shift from theory to transformation
As Ghana continues to grapple with youth unemployment and skills mismatches, the ATU–Nestlé collaboration signals a shift toward more deliberate, industry-linked training models.
By combining technical education with practical exposure and placing women at the centre, the initiative positions itself not just as a training programme, but as a strategic investment in the country’s future workforce.
