KsTU’s Faculty of Creative Arts and Technology Engages Industry Partners for Stronger Collaboration

The Faculty of Creative Arts and Technology’s (FCAT) Department of Fashion Design and Textile Studies at Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) held a stakeholder engagement meeting with industry partners on October 16, 2024, at the New Great Hall. This important gathering was aimed at consolidating further, the bond between the University and the fashion and textile industries to create more collaborative opportunities for students and professionals.

The special guest for the event was the Pro Vice-Chancellor of KsTU, Ing. Prof. Abena Obiri-Yeboah. In her address, she emphasised the immense benefits of industrial attachment for both students and industry partners. She noted that these attachments allow companies to access fresh and emerging talents from the University. “The industrial attachment serves as a valuable opportunity for industry partners to harness the skills of our students, fostering new growth within organisations’’. Prof. Obiri-Yeboah said. “This collaboration does not only allow companies to identify and nurture promising talents but also, it enriches their organisational culture. Partnering with KsTU promotes an innovative mindset, where students can bring their unique perspectives, inspiring organisations to approach problem-solving with creativity and fresh ideas.”

She further highlighted how working closely with the faculty could significantly enhance the brand reputation of industrial partners. 

Rev. Dr. Timothy Crentsil, Head of the Department of Graphic and Communication Design, gave an insightful presentation on current trends in the fashion industry. He walked the audience through the evolution of fashion, comparing past and present trends, and highlighted how the industry is evolving at a rapid pace. His presentation set the stage for more in-depth conversations about how academic programmes could keep pace with industry demands.

Prof. Thomas Obeng Asare, Dean of the Faculty of Creative Arts and Technology, also addressed the participants, reaffirming the University’s commitment to equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in the fast-changing fashion world. “Collaboration between academia and industry is vital in preparing the next generation of fashion designers. Today’s meeting marks a significant step forward in strengthening our business relationships and exploring new opportunities’’, Prof. Obeng Asare said. “We value your insights as industry leaders; they ensure that our curriculum remains cutting-edge and relevant’’. He expressed his optimism about the future, saying the discussions from the meeting will not only shape the future of KsTU students but will also contribute to the evolution of the broader fashion industry.

One of the highlights of the event was an interactive session where stakeholders provided feedback on student performance during their industrial attachments. Industry partners offered suggestions on how KsTU could better prepare students for the realities of the modern fashion industry. The session allowed for a healthy exchange of ideas that had the capacity to shape the Department’s academic programmes and industrial collaboration strategies.

At the end of the meeting, certificates of participation were presented to the industrial partners in appreciation of their invaluable contributions.