KEEP’s Strategic Industry Partnership Bridges the Academia-Industry Gap

At the KNUST Engineering Education Project (KEEP), we believe that true engineering excellence is forged not only in lecture halls but also on the front lines of industry. While academic excellence remains a key part of our mission, KEEP has consistently prioritised hands-on training and direct industry engagement to ensure our students are ready for the real world.

To bridge the critical gap between classroom learning and practical application, KEEP has actively forged partnerships with leading engineering firms, energy companies, and technology enterprises. Through strategic collaborations with the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE), and the PartnerAfrika Project, we have secured internships for our scholars to gain invaluable practical experience in power systems, digital technology, renewable energy, and industrial manufacturing.

Key Industry Partners Include:

• Energy Sector: Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), Volta River Authority (VRA), Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Afreeka Ghana Limited.
• Technology & Digital Innovation: Softmasters Company Limited, Ghana Robotics Academy, Trinity Software Centre.
• Engineering & Manufacturing: Well Built Limited, Vintage Steel & Metal Fabrication, Greentech Biogas Engineering Services, Vester Oil Mills Vegetable Oil Refinery, Juaben Oil Mills.
• Transport & Mobility: Solar Taxi, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority.

The true measure of our success is the transformative impact on our students. Here are their stories.

Christopher Dabire Naya (MPhil Power Systems Engineering)
 

“My internship at GRIDCo was highly impactful. Working across Operations & Safety, Line Maintenance, and Electrical Maintenance gave me hands-on experience in real-world power transmission. I gained practical skills in preventive maintenance, fault diagnosis, and even drone-assisted line inspections. Beyond technical expertise, my teamwork and adaptability improved immensely. I sincerely appreciate KEEP for making this invaluable experience possible.”

Stephen Akosah Darko (MPhil Materials Engineering)

“My internship at Solar Taxi had a profoundly positive impact. I gained hands-on experience building lithium battery packs for electric vehicles and learnt welding and fabrication. I was also introduced to non-destructive testing and real-life materials selection. This has ignited a passion for sustainable engineering solutions, inspiring me to focus on clean energy applications.”

Ama Sakyiwaa Ofori-Kyere (PhD Bioengineering Candidate)

“I interned at Wontesty Ventures at the CSIR-Crops Research Institute. I was exposed to key technologies, including pyrolysis for biochar production, biogas production, and agri-voltaic irrigation. My research interest in using biochar as a soil amendment began here. Soft skills like teamwork and adaptability were also enhanced through my dealings with colleagues and superiors.”

“At the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), I was exposed to critical aviation systems, including surveillance and power management. I gained practical experience in backup power solutions, UPS systems, and generator operations. This internship reinforced my passion for power systems engineering and its mission-critical applications in the aviation sector.”

KEEP is committed to producing graduates who are not just knowledgeable but job-ready. By embedding industry engagement into our core philosophy, we are ensuring that our students lead Ghana’s technological and industrial transformation.