Nestlé Ghana Ltd and the Accra Technical University (ATU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to empower female engineering students and help bridge the gap between academia and industry.
At the heart of the MoU is the establishment of the Nestlé Technical Training Programme (NES-TECH Programme), a global initiative already implemented in countries such as Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire. Its rollout in Ghana reflects Nestlé’s broader commitment to building technical capacity and ensuring that graduates are job-ready.
The initiative focuses primarily on equipping female students in Mechanical and Electrical/Electronic Engineering with both theoretical knowledge and practical, industry-relevant skills.
The programme will include structured internships, mentorship and career development opportunities at Nestlé Ghana’s Tema Factory, exposing students to real-world industrial processes, teamwork and project management.
Signing ceremony
At the signing ceremony in Accra last Friday, the Managing Director of Nestlé Ghana Ltd, Salomé Azevedo, expressed gratitude to her team and the Accra Technical University for their collective effort in bringing the partnership to fruition.
Framing the initiative within the broader context of International Women’s Day, she emphasised that the MoU marked a meaningful transition from advocacy to tangible action to address gender inequality—particularly the underrepresentation of women in engineering fields.
Mrs Azevedo highlights the importance of moving beyond symbolic celebrations toward real impact, noting that the programme is a concrete step toward closing the gender gap in technical professions.
Employment success
The Head of Human Resources for Central and West Africa, Antoinette Arkoh, emphasised the programme’s strong track record, revealing that similar initiatives have achieved a 100 per cent employment rate for successful participants.
She said graduates of the training were highly sought after, with other manufacturing companies actively recruiting them due to their rigorous technical and practical preparation.
Mrs Arkoh explained that the initiative was part of Nestlé’s broader Global Youth Initiative, which aimed to train millions of young people worldwide by 2030, with a particular focus on Africa, given its large and growing youth population.
Job-ready graduates
In his address, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, ATU, Prof. Amevi Acakpovi, mentioned that the MoU signing was far more than a ceremonial event, saying it represented a critical step toward enhancing student outcomes and employability.
He highlighted the university’s core mission: equipping students with practical skills, confidence and competencies that distinguish them in the job market.
He said while acknowledging ATU’s strong foundation in technical and vocational education, he emphasised that modern training must go beyond traditional trade skills to include communication, adaptability, and real-world problem-solving abilities.
Overview
Presenting the overview of the MoU, the acting Dean of the Engineering School at the Accra Technical University, Engineer Surveyor, Dr Tina Wemegah
Dzigbordi, highlighted the significant milestone marked by the signing of the MoU between the two institutions.
She explained that the training cycles would last between three and six months, accommodating up to 20 students per intake.
“Together, we are setting a benchmark for effective industry-academia collaboration in Ghana. In conclusion, this MoU is more than a document; it is a shared promise.”
“A promise to empower our students, strengthen our institutions, and contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s industrial and technical advancement,” she said.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh