The visit aimed to showcase Northern Regional College’s pioneering green skills curriculum, including the UK and Ireland’s first accredited Level 2 and Level 3 courses in Hydrogen Applications and Technologies. The OCN NI Level 3 Award equips students with the knowledge and skills to excel in hydrogen-related industries such as energy generation, storage, and distribution.
During their time in Northern Ireland, the Ghanaian representatives explored the college’s facilities, learning techniques, and training structure. They also toured leading NI based companies and organisations employing green technologies, including Wrightbus, B9 Energy, Translink, and Energia.
Alan Reid, Innovation Manager at Northern Regional College, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, “It was a privilege to showcase our innovative teaching methods and the vibrant green skills ecosystem we’ve developed here in Northern Ireland. Hosting the representatives from Kumasi and Bolgatanga Technical Universities not only highlighted our achievements but also strengthened our international ties.”
This partnership aligns with Northern Regional College’s strategic focus on sustainability and skills for the future. The visit builds on the College’s efforts to be a leader in green skills education and an advocate for global collaboration.
Abena Agyeiwaa Obiri-Yeboah, Associate Professor in the Civil Engineering Department and Pro Vice-Chancellor at Kumasi Technical University, shared her thoughts on the experience:
“Our visit to Northern Regional College and Northern Ireland was incredibly insightful. The opportunity to learn from their innovative green skills curriculum and facilities will greatly aid us in developing similar programmes in Ghana. The exposure to cutting-edge industries like Wrightbus and Energia further enriched our understanding of the potential applications of green technologies for sustainable development.”
In May 2025, Alan Reid and Mark Walker, Principal Lecturer for Productivity and Sustainable Development from Northern Regional College, will travel to Ghana to reunite with the delegates. This next phase of the programme will support the integration of green skills courses and programmes at Kumasi and Bolgatanga Technical Universities, marking a significant milestone in the journey toward sustainable education and development.