The University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa and Mac Partners Training Institute have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance student’s development through practical technical training.
The agreement would commit both institutions to offer hands-on training opportunities, workshops, and resources to empower students to gain real-world experience in their respective fields.
It was signed by Professor Richard Kwasi Amankwah, the Vice Chancellor of the UMaT and Mr Seth Quaye, the Managing Director of Mac Partners Training Institute.
Speaking at the brief ceremony, Prof. Amankwah stated that the university had been doing this for some time, but they wanted to deepen the collaboration with Mac Partners Training Institute to further strengthen the aspect.
He said in the UMaT, they encouraged practical training and field trips, adding, “We have introduced “Practice of Engineering” course, where students get the chance to learn from artisans and garages.”
“Through this collaboration students from Mac Partners Training Institute will benefit from our university’s lectures, while our students will gain hands-on experience through Mac Partners laboratories and practical training,” the VC indicated.
Prof. Amankwah revealed that the opportunities would not be limited to students alone; lectures could also take advantage of Mac Partners Training Institute resources to enhance their skills.
“For instance, in an engineering class, students are learning about drawing bolts and nuts. After drawing on a board or laptop, it’s important to take them to the field to learn how to cut bolts and nuts, so that knowledge base becomes complete,” he further explained.
Mr Quaye, who is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mac Partners Group, was excited about the agreement announced that next year, they would introduce a new programme called the Technician Apprenticeship and Career Training (TACT).
According to him, the idea was to take in young individuals who aspired to be engineers but could not gain admission into the university.
He emphasized that through partnerships with mining companies and allied industries, they would be guided through apprenticeship programmes to develop practical, hands-on engineers.
Mr Quaye said the partnership would enable the UMaT to inform and shape the foundational theories that drive practical expertise.