Accra Poly students to benefit from ABL training

Published in the Daily Graphic on 30th Nov, 2009, pg 11

Story: Matilda Attram

STUDENTS of the Accra Polytechnic are to benefit from a long-term practical training with the Accra Brewery Limited (ABL) in Accra.
This will enable them acquire the needed practical learning skills that will help improve their performance.
During a signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the management of ABL and the management of Accra Polytechnic, the Rector of Accra Polytechnic, Dr Festus Addo-Yobo, entreated the management of tertiary institutions to link students with industries and other establishments to enhance their skills of learning.
He said improving on the skills of students would benefit the whole nation, although few parties would be involved, adding "The quality of intelligence is not only defined with class work, but also the skills one demonstrates in his field of work".
Dr Addo-Yobo, urged industries and organisations to partake in the activities of the advisory board of the institution to help train the students.
The Dean of the School of Engineering of Accra Polytechnic, Mr Olufemi Fatonade, said formalising a partnership and relationship with ABL was one of the institution’s major efforts to ensure the success of training the students.
"This development of a mutually beneficial long-term partnership between Accra Polytechnic and ABL in the training of engineering students for industry and academia has for a long time been our dream and it is my fervent prayer that all parties will work diligently towards ensuring the success of this scheme," he stated.
He, therefore, expressed gratitude to the management of ABL and assured them of the institute's co-operation of providing quality labour force for the country.
The Managing Director of ABL, Mr Gregory Metcalf, said ABL needed to create a mutual relationship with its community and as a result had a mutual relationship with the School of Engineering of the University of Ghana to provide good learning skills to students.
He said the company was ready to partner other tertiary institutions to provide students with the needed skills to develop human capital and skills, as well as boost the country's economy.
Mr Metcalf said apart from engaging students in practical training, the ABL also considered the growing unemployment market and so provided good students with employment after school.