Polytechnics call for practical training to enhance students' job market

Takoradi, March 4, GNA - Industrial Liaison Officers and Vice Rector= s of polytechnics have made recommendations to ensure effective industrial practical training for polytechnic students, to come out well qualified f= or the job market.

Among them are the institution of an industrial training fund to augment and facilitate practical training, and the setting aside of a percentage of the Getfund and revenue to be generated from the oil recove= ry towards the project.

These were contained in a 12 point communiqu=E9 adopted by the Indus= trial Liaison Officers and Vice Rectors from the country's polytechnics at the end of a three day workshop held for them at Takoradi.

The workshop was held under the theme "practical industrial training= in polytechnic education, the way forward", at the Takoradi Polytechnic. The communiqu=E9 called for a structured industrial attachment place= ment system involving the Association of Ghana Industries, Ghana Employers Association and the Ghana Chamber of Commerce and other stakeholders, as well as the establishment of a national industrial training advisory board for polytechnics.

The communiqu=E9 read by Mr Von Ziga-Abortta of Ho, stressed the need for polytechnics to be awarded the needed curriculum requirement to industrial attachment, which should be monitored, assessed, and scored from the next= academic year.

While calling on the government to enact laws to promote and facilit= ate industrial practical training for students, the communiqu=E9 suggested a tax relief for companies who partner the polytechnics in training students. The National Service Secretariat was also urged to re-adjust their posting periods to pave way for effective placement exercise for the polytechnics.

Reverend Professor Daniel Agyapong Nyarko, Rector of Takoradi Polytechnic who chaired the closing ceremony, said though the polytechnic= s were autonomous there was the need for them to collaborate to champion th= e course of their work together. TRS