Mr. Selorm Betepe, Founder and CEO of Seloart Group, has called for urgent modernization of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Ghana. Following his recent viewing of a documentary on GTV, Mr. Betepe expressed concerns about the current state of TVET, labeling the ongoing retooling efforts as outdated and ineffective.
In a post on his Facebook page, Mr. Betepe critiqued the continued use of traditional tools in technical schools, emphasizing that students should be trained with modern power tools and technology-driven equipment to better prepare them for the industry. “Students doing woodwork shouldn’t be cutting wood with hand saws; they should learn using power tools now before they come out of school,” he stated.
He argued that mechanical engineering students should have access to advanced machinery beyond lathe machines. He highlighted the importance of exposure to computer numerical control (CNC) systems, which are crucial for modern manufacturing. According to Mr. Betepe, these technologies are essential for ensuring that students are job-ready upon graduation.
Mr. Betepe stressed the need for a focus on sustainable components building, where precision and consistency in production are achieved through advanced systems like table saws and edge banding systems. “Our focus on TVET should be on sustainable components building. We should see mechanical engineering students running and troubleshooting CNC systems before they come out of school,” he added.
He pointed out that developed countries like China have successfully integrated various advanced technologies into their TVET programs, resulting in high productivity and quality in manufacturing. “These technologies aid them to easily fit into the job market when they come out of school,” Mr. Betepe remarked, advocating for similar advancements in Ghana’s TVET system.
According to Mr. Betepe, the integration of advanced technologies and systems in TVET will align the training programs with industry needs, ensuring students are job-ready upon graduation. He emphasized that the current retooling efforts are insufficient and that a more technologically advanced approach is necessary to keep pace with global standards.
Mr. Betepe’s insights come from his extensive experience as the CEO of Seloart Group, a leading sign-making company in Ghana. Seloart Group has made significant strides in transforming the signwriting industry, with a state-of-the-art factory in Pokuase, Accra. Mr. Betepe envisions making Seloart the preferred sign company in Ghana and beyond, reflecting his commitment to modernizing industry standards in the region.
