The Department of Fashion Design and Textile Studies, School of Applied Arts, Cape Coast Technical University (CCTU), on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, celebrated a milestone with the graduation of fourteen (14) students who completed a three-week hands-on practical training programme.

The three-week intensive program, which was themed: “Creating your vision: Mastering pattern making for stunning garments”, intended to equip aspiring and practicing fashion designers with contemporary garment construction and production skills. The graduation ceremony was attended by some Key Officers, Directors, Deans, staff and students of the University, graduands, family members of graduands as well as other distinguished guests.

In his welcome address, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Lawrence Atepor, who was the Chairperson of the ceremony, congratulated and applauded the graduands saying “Congratulations! to our dear graduands on reaching this significant milestone. You have, over the past three weeks, immersed yourselves in an intensive, hands-on learning. You explored innovative design approaches, mastered practical techniques and pushed the boundaries of your creative expression. This is no small feat especially for those of you who are already professionals in the industry, balancing business operations, client demands, and personal commitments. Your determination to enhance your skills shows your dedication to excellence”.

Prof. Atepor, used the opportunity to talk about CCTU’s short courses. He said the short courses were uniquely suited for industry professionals because the programmes were designed to be flexible, focused and practical, with the intention of refining, retooling and reimagining crafts. He stated that the three-week intensive course was to serve as a bridge, connecting the traditions of fashion with the innovations of tomorrow. He admonished graduands to keep learning because continuous professional development was essential to stay ahead of the curve and make a positive impact in the industry.

Dr. Ekua Nkrumah Akuffo, the Head of Fashion Design and Textiles Studies Department, highlighted plans to launch the second edition of the short course program in September, 2025. She invited interested individuals to take advantage of the opportunity to master their crafts and be equipped with contemporary fashion design and textiles knowledge for a sustainable fashion industry.

The Vice-Dean of the School of Applied Arts, Dr. Cynthia Derx Techie, touched on the importance of time management for practitioners in the industry. She mentioned that time was valuable and irreversible, therefore, graduands should make the most of the time they had. She also explained the professional implications of being time-conscious and how it could impact one's reputation in the industry.

Prof. Eric Awere, the Director of Open and Distance Learning, in his submission admonished graduands to strive for excellence in their work as fashion designers. He noted that, the fashion industry was evolving and therefore industry players must be prepared to embrace the change through knowledge acquisition programmes like the short courses being run by CCTU’s Department of Fashion Design and Textile Studies.

The graduation ceremony also featured an exhibition, where products of the graduands were displayed. Graduates of the Three-week Intensive Fashion Training Programme expressed excitement about the program, stating that the training programme had enhanced their skills and also given them opportunity to network with other industry players.

Source: Directorate of Public Affairs

Date: June 12, 2025