Understanding Core and Specialization Training at IPES
At the Institute of Professional and Entrepreneurial Studies (IPES) in Accra, Ghana, you can learn hands-on skills that can lead to good-paying jobs. These include areas like metal works, plumbing, electrical work, HVAC, and more.
Before you become an expert in any of these, it’s important to understand how the training is structured. The training is divided into two main parts:
- Core Training Programs
- Specialization Training Programs
Both are important, and each helps you grow in a different way.
🔧 What is Core Training?
Core Training is like the foundation of a building — it’s where everything starts.
✅ What It’s About:
In Core Training, you learn the basic knowledge and skills you need in your skill track (like plumbing, electrical, or metal works). These are the things that every beginner should know.
🧑🎓 Who It’s For:
Core Training is perfect for:
- Junior High School, Senior High School, University graduates
- Students who are new to technical and trade skills
- Anyone who wants to start from scratch and build their knowledge
📚 What You’ll Learn:
The content is general but very important. For example:
- In Electrical, you might learn how electricity flows and how to safely wire a house.
- In Plumbing, you’ll learn about water systems and how to install pipes.
- In Metal Works, you’ll learn how to cut, weld, and shape metal safely.
- In HVAC, you’ll understand how cooling and heating systems work.
- In Wood Works, you’ll start by learning basic tools and wood-cutting techniques.
You also learn about safety, tools, how to read diagrams, and the basic principles of how things work.
📍 Where It Happens:
The theory classes (the classroom part) are held at DevWorld Tech Academy, which partners with IPES.
The practical work (hands-on learning) is done in real places — like workshops, factories, and construction sites — so you can apply what you learn in real-life situations.
🏁 What You Get After:
When you finish Core Training, you’ll be ready for entry-level work in that field, or you can move on to more advanced training.
🧠 What is Specialization Training?
Specialization Training is the next step after Core Training. This is where you go deeper and focus on one specific part of your chosen skill area.
✅ What It’s About:
You already know the basics — now it’s time to become really good at one thing. This training prepares you to handle advanced tools, projects, and responsibilities in a specific area.
🧑🔧 Who It’s For:
It’s for students who:
- Have already done the Core Training
- Want to focus on a specific path (for example, industrial plumbing or solar electrical systems)
- Are aiming to become highly skilled professionals or even start their own business
📚 What You’ll Learn:
Let’s say you’re in the Electrical Skill Track:
- In specialization, you might learn how to wire entire buildings, install solar panels, or work with smart home technology.
In the HVAC track:
- You might learn how to install and fix air conditioners, refrigeration systems, and ventilation units in offices or homes.
Each skill track has its own specialization areas — and in this stage, you go hands-on with real tools, real systems, and real challenges.
🎓 What You Get After:
After specialization, you’re not just someone who knows the basics — you’re someone who’s ready for real jobs, or even to start your own business. Employers trust people who have both core and specialized training because they know you’re experienced and prepared.
🔁 How They Work Together
You start with Core Training to learn the basics and build confidence.
Then, you move to Specialization Training to become a skilled worker or entrepreneur in one area.
🧰 Example in Real Life at IPES:
Let’s say you want to become an electrician:
- In Core Training, you’ll learn about wires, safety, how electricity works, and basic installation.
- In Specialization, you’ll learn how to design and install systems for buildings, fix complicated problems, and work with advanced tools.
By the end, you could get a job at a company or even start your own electrical service.
⭐ In Summary
At IPES, the training is designed to take you from beginner to expert — one step at a time. With classroom lessons at DevWorld Tech Academy and practical experience in real workshops and worksites, you’ll get both the knowledge and the hands-on experience needed to succeed in Ghana’s growing job market.
Whether you choose Plumbing, Electrical, Metal Works, Wood Works, or HVAC, remember:
- Core Training = Strong foundation
- Specialization Training = Expert skills
Together, they help you build a career, not just a job.
🎓 How Learning Works at IPES – Simple Guide for Students
At the Institute of Professional and Entrepreneurial Studies (IPES) in Ghana, you can train in different hands-on careers like:
- 🔩 Metal Works
- 🔧 Plumbing
- 🪵 Wood Works
- ⚡ Electrical
- ❄️ HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning)
- and many more.
These are called Skill Trades, and they’re designed to help you build real, useful skills that can lead to good jobs or even starting your own business.
Now let’s break down how the learning actually works at IPES.
🧱 Step-by-Step Learning – From Beginner to Expert
If you’ve never held a tool in your life — no problem!
IPES starts you off with basic lessons and slowly takes you to the expert level in your chosen skill area.
You don’t have to know anything before you start — the program is built for complete beginners.
✅ Here’s how it works:
- Each course is broken into phases.
- You begin by learning the fundamentals (like safety rules, tool use, and basic techniques).
- Over time, you move on to more advanced and specialized skills.
- As you go through the program, you gain knowledge, confidence, and hands-on experience.
- At the end of your training, you’ll earn a qualification or certificate from IPES that proves you’re ready for the real world.
⏳ How long does each session last?
- Each session lasts 3 months.
- During that time, you’ll do both theory (classroom learning) and practical (hands-on) training.
📍Where do the classes happen?
- The theory classes are held at DevWorld Tech Academy’s campus in Accra.
- The practical sessions happen in real work environments like factories, workshops, and construction sites — so you get actual experience, not just book knowledge.
🔄 What happens as you progress?
Imagine it like leveling up in a game:
- Start at Level 1 – Learn the basics
- Go to Level 2 – Practice your skills
- Level 3+ – Work on real projects and advanced techniques
- Final Level – You’re skilled enough to work professionally!
By the time you finish, you’ll be able to do jobs in your chosen skill track — whether it’s fixing pipes, wiring a house, or installing air conditioning.
🛠️ What About Internships, Apprenticeships, and Industry Attachments?
As part of your training, you might also get the chance to do one of the following:
🔹 Internship
- A short-term learning experience.
- You spend a few weeks at a real workplace to see how things are done.
- Great for students or recent graduates who want to get a feel for the job.
🔸 Apprenticeship
- A long-term program that mixes learning and working.
- You work under experienced professionals while continuing your studies.
- Often leads to a qualification in your trade.
🔹 Industry Attachment
- This is like a school project at a real company.
- You work in a real business setting to gain experience related to your course.
- It’s often part of your final stage before graduation.
These experiences help you practice your skills in real life, connect with professionals, and boost your chances of getting a job later on.
🚀 Why IPES is a Great Choice
- It’s designed for young people like you — even if you’re starting with zero knowledge.
- You get both theory and practical experience.
- You build real skills that are in demand in Ghana and beyond.
- You can earn certificates and become job-ready in just a few sessions.
👷 Example:
Let’s say you choose the Plumbing Skill Track:
- You’ll learn in class how water systems work.
- You’ll practice connecting pipes, fixing leaks, and installing systems on-site.
- You’ll maybe go on an apprenticeship where you help a professional plumber.
- By the end, you’ll be skilled enough to work on real buildings — or even start your own plumbing business.
✅ In Summary:
- Start from beginner level
- Learn in phases, session by session (3 months each)
- Mix of classroom and real-world training
- Internships, apprenticeships, and attachments help you get job-ready
- Finish with real skills and a recognized certificate
How it Works: Teaching & Learning Approaches
The study programs or courses within the various IPES Skill Tracks are specifically designed to guide students from complete novices or beginners to expert-level qualification and certificate types in IPES in their chosen field. The IPES – Institute of Professional and Entrepreneurial Studies qualification is structured so that students’ progress step-by-step, gaining the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience required for professional success.
At IPES, each session lasts for 3 months. Regardless of the study program students are enrolled in, the approach starts with foundational knowledge and gradually advances to more specialized topics. The structure is designed to help students develop expertise by the end of their course, which follows a clear phased progression.
In summary:
- Internships are short-term, educational experiences for students or recent grads.
- Apprenticeships are long-term, structured programs that combine learning with work, often leading to a qualification in a trade.
- Industry Attachments are generally academic work placements designed to give students practical exposure in their field of study.
🛠️ How it Works:
IPES Phase 1: Months 1-6
For Students in Skill Trades Like Metal Works, Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, or Wood Works
When you join the Institute of Professional and Entrepreneurial Studies (IPES) in Accra, your journey to becoming a skilled professional starts with Phase 1, which lasts 6 months (or two school sessions). This phase follows what’s called the IPES Apprentice Study Model.
Let’s break it down:
🔰 What is Phase 1?
Phase 1 = Your first 6 months of training.
During this time, you’ll learn both the theory (classroom lessons) and practical (hands-on work) for your chosen skill — whether that’s plumbing, electrical, metal works, HVAC, or wood works.
You’ll be trained like an apprentice, which means learning by doing, not just sitting in class.
📅 Session 1 (Months 1-3): Laying the Foundation
- You start by learning the basics of your trade — safety rules, how to use tools, and how things work in real jobs.
- You’ll study at DevWorld Tech Academy (that’s where the theory classes happen).
- Then, you’ll go out to real sites like factories, construction sites, and workshops to practice what you’ve learned.
- This is where you get your hands dirty — using actual tools and doing real work under supervision.
No matter which skill track you choose (plumbing, wood works, etc.), everyone learns some general foundation skills during this first session.
📅 Session 2 (Months 4–6): Focusing on Your Chosen Skill
- Now that you know the basics, you start focusing more deeply on your specific trade.
- If you chose electrical, you’ll now start learning more about wiring, circuits, and installing electrical systems.
- If you’re in plumbing, you’ll work more with real pipes, fittings, and bathroom/kitchen systems.
- And so on for HVAC, wood works, or metal works.
You still balance classroom learning with practical training — but now, it’s more tailored to the exact job you want to do.
🧑🏭 What is an Apprenticeship, Exactly?
At IPES, you’re trained using an apprenticeship model, which means:
- You learn by working and practicing, not just from books.
- You’re guided by skilled professionals — mentors who’ve been in the industry for years.
- You slowly build your skills and confidence by doing real-world tasks.
- This approach helps you learn faster and be job-ready.
Apprenticeships:
- Can last anywhere from a few months to a few years (depending on how far you go).
- Are intensive and focused, helping you become really good at your trade.
- Often lead to official certifications that employers in Ghana recognize.
🎓 What Happens After Phase 1?
- At the end of 6 months, some programs may award you a Professional Certificate — proof that you’ve completed the beginner-to-intermediate level.
- You can now:
- Start working at an entry-level job in your field, or
- Move on to Phase 2, where you’ll get even more specialized training and aim for higher qualifications.
👷 Example Time!
Let’s say you choose the Wood Works Skill Track.
- Months 1-3: You learn the tools, types of wood, and safety steps. You practice in class and on-site.
- Months 4-6: You go deeper — maybe building furniture frames or installing wooden panels on real jobsites.
By the end, you might get your first certificate and be able to start working or keep going with more advanced training.
✅ In Summary (Simple Recap)
| Phase | Duration | What You Learn | Where You Learn | What You Get |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | 6 months (2 sessions) | Basics first, then deeper into your skill | Theory at DevWorld Tech Academy + Hands-on in factories/workshops | A Professional Certificate (in some programs) + Skills to continue training or start working |
So if you’re a young person in Ghana who wants a real career in something practical, hands-on, and in-demand — IPES is the place to start. You’ll get:
✅ Real skills
✅ Real experience
✅ Real opportunities
⚙️ How it Works:
IPES Phase 2: Months 7-12
For Students in Skill Trades Like Metal Works, Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, or Wood Works
Once you finish Phase 1 at IPES, where you learn the basics and practice your trade through an apprenticeship model, you move on to the next step: Phase 2.
This phase takes another 6 months (2 sessions) and helps you become even more skilled and confident in your trade.
🧠 What is Phase 2 All About?
In Phase 2, you now follow the IPES Concept Study Model.
This means you’re not just learning how to do things — you’re also learning how to think like a professional in your field. You’re being trained to solve real-world problems, work in teams, and apply your skills in actual workplaces like factories, companies, or construction sites.
This phase focuses even more on internships and real job experience.
📚 What Happens During Phase 2?
- You still study theory at DevWorld Tech Academy — learning about systems, designs, processes, and tools.
- But now, you spend more time in the real world — doing internships in places where your trade is actually used.
- You’ll assist professionals, work on real projects, and gain confidence in doing things on your own.
For example:
- In the Plumbing Skill Track, you might help with installing bathroom systems in a new building.
- In Electrical, you might wire lighting systems or assist with solar panel setups.
- In HVAC, you could work on real air conditioners and ventilation systems.
👷♂️ What is an Internship? (Simple Breakdown)
At IPES, internships are a big part of Phase 2. Here’s what you need to know:
| Internship Feature | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Duration | Usually a few weeks to several months |
| Goal | To give you real experience in your chosen skill track |
| Where it Happens | In actual companies, businesses, workshops, or construction sites |
| What You Do | Help professionals, complete real tasks, learn how the industry works |
| Why It’s Important | You grow your skills, meet professionals, and understand how your future job really works |
Internships also give you a chance to explore what type of work you might enjoy most in your field.
🎓 What Do You Get at the End of Phase 2?
After completing this 6-month phase (which brings your total training time to 12 months), some programs offer:
- 📜 An Academic Diploma
- 🎓 Or even a Higher National Diploma (HND) – if you study for at least 3 years.
These qualifications show employers that you have both solid knowledge and real experience in your field. This means you’re ready to work professionally — or you can choose to continue to Phase 3 for even more advanced training.
✅ Summary – Phase 2 at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Timeframe | Months 7 to 12 (2 sessions) |
| Focus | Internships + more advanced theory and practicals |
| Learning Model | IPES Concept Study Model |
| Location | Theory at DevWorld Tech Academy; Practice in real workplaces |
| Outcome | Academic Diploma or (HND after 3 years), or move on to Phase 3 for deeper specialization |
🔨 Real-Life Example (Let’s Say You’re in Metal Works)
- 🛠️ In Phase 1, you learned how to shape, cut, and weld metal using basic tools.
- 🔩 In Phase 2, you might be placed in a metal fabrication workshop, working on real machines to build frames, gates, or tools.
- 🧰 You’ll help with actual jobs and apply what you learned in school to the real world.
- 🎓 After the 12 months, you could earn an Academic Diploma that qualifies you for professional metal works jobs in Ghana.
👷♀️ Why This Matters
IPES doesn’t just train you to pass tests — it trains you to work and succeed in real trades.
You’ll:
- Build skills that are useful in Ghana’s growing industries
- Get real-world experience through internships
- Earn recognized qualifications like diplomas and certificates
- Be ready for work — or continue learning even more in Phase 3
🔧 How it Works:
IPES Phase 3: Months 13-18
For Students in Skill Trades Like Metal Works, Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, or Wood Works
By the time you reach Phase 3 at the Institute of Professional and Entrepreneurial Studies (IPES), you’ve already spent a full year learning the theory and practical skills of your chosen trade (like Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, Wood Works, or Metal Works).
Now it’s time to take everything you’ve learned into the actual real world one your own (without your teachers and classmates) — this is where Industry Attachment comes in.
🏭 What is Phase 3?
Phase 3 is your final 6 months (2 sessions) of the study program.
This is when you step into real companies, workshops, or construction sites (without your teachers and classmates) and work alongside professionals in your trade. It’s like getting a taste of your future career — but with the support of your school from a distance.
This part of your journey is called Industry Attachment.
🏢 What is Industry Attachment? (Explained Simply)
Think of Industry Attachment like this:
You’ve learned the theory.
You’ve practiced the skills.
Now, you go out into the field on your own and use what you’ve learned — for real.
✅ Key Features of Industry Attachment:
| Item | Explanation (Simple) |
|---|---|
| Duration | Usually lasts several months |
| Where? | In a real company or business related to your skill |
| What You Do | Observe, help with projects, and sometimes do hands-on work |
| Why It’s Important | You get to see how things really work, and apply your school knowledge in real jobs |
So, for example:
- If you’re in the Electrical Skill Track, you might help wire an office building or install solar panels at a real site.
- If you’re in Wood Works, you could assist with making furniture in a workshop.
- For HVAC, you might help fix air conditioners in a commercial building.
🎯 What’s the Goal of Phase 3?
The goal is to go beyond the classroom and workshops and get real-world experience. By now, you’re expected to:
- Work more independently
- Think like a professional
- Solve real job-related problems
- Learn how to operate in a real team or business setting
This is where you really grow up in your trade — not just as a student, but as a future skilled worker.
🎓 What Do You Get at the End of Phase 3?
If you complete all 6 sessions (18 months total), some programs at IPES award you:
- 📘 A Professional Diploma, or
- 🎓 A Higher National Diploma (HND) – if you study for 3 years.
These qualifications are highly respected in Ghana and can help you:
- ✅ Get a good job
- ✅ Start your own business
- ✅ Or even go on to higher education or more advanced training
Some students also continue beyond Phase 3 to get even more industry experience — especially if they want to become experts, trainers in their field or if they want to gain Higher National Diploma (HND) by studying for 3 years.
🔁 Let’s Recap All 3 Phases (In Simple Steps)
| Phase | Time | Focus | What You Do | What You Get |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Months 1–6 | Basics + Hands-on Skills | Learn in class & workshop | Academic Certificate (some programs) |
| Phase 2 | Months 7–12 | Internships + Advanced Skills | Work on real projects with companies | Academic Diploma or (HND after 3 years) |
| Phase 3 | Months 13–18 | Industry Attachment | Apply everything you learned in a real job setting | Professional Diploma or (HND after 3 years) |
👷 Real-Life Example – Let’s Say You Chose Plumbing:
- Phase 1: Learn how water systems work, practice using pipes, tools, and fittings.
- Phase 2: Intern with a plumbing company — help with bathroom or kitchen installations in real homes or buildings.
- Phase 3: Get attached to a bigger construction company or government project. You assist professionals, work on larger jobs, and see how everything comes together.
By the end, you’ll have the skills, experience, and certification to start your career or grow even further.
🚀 Final Word – Why This Matters for You
At IPES, you’re not just sitting in class. You’re:
✅ Learning the theory
✅ Practicing with real tools
✅ Working in real businesses
✅ Earning real qualifications
So if you’re dreaming of becoming a skilled electrician, carpenter, metal worker, plumber, or HVAC technician — IPES trains you for real-world success.
How it Works:
Phase 1: Months 1-6
In the first 6 months (2 sessions), students follow the IPES Apprentice Study Model. The goal during this phase is to immerse students in the basics of their chosen field, both through theoretical learning and practical experience. This is done using an apprenticeship approach that emphasizes hands-on learning while students gain deeper insights into their study areas.
- Session 1 (Months 1-3): This session introduces foundational topics across all Skill Tracks in the Trades Skills Categories. Students engage in both theory-based classes and practical exercises in workshops, factories, and construction sites, building a broad base of knowledge.
- Session 2 (Months 4-6): In the second session, students begin to focus more specifically on their chosen study program. The instruction continues to balance theory and practical experience, still under the guidance of the apprenticeship model, which helps students deepen their understanding and skills in their field.
Apprenticeship Overview:
- Duration: Typically spans few months to 4 years, depending on the program.
- Objective: Apprenticeships combine hands-on, on-the-job training with classroom instruction, providing structured learning. Students work under the supervision of skilled mentors and gradually develop the necessary skills for a specific occupation.
- Focus: Apprenticeships are intensive and specialized, often leading to formal certification or qualifications in a trade (such as carpentry, electrical work, etc.).
At the end of Phase 1, some study programs award a Professional Certificate after 2 sessions (6 months). Students who continue to Phase 2 will move forward with more specialized training.
Phase 2: Months 7-12
The second phase spans the next 6 months (2 sessions), where students transition to the IPES Concept Study Model. This phase builds on the foundational knowledge from Phase 1, with a stronger emphasis on internships and hands-on experience in a real-world setting. The goal now is to develop more structured skills and knowledge that can be directly applied in a business, factory, or other professional environments.
- Internship Overview:
- Duration: Typically ranges from a few weeks to several months.
- Objective: Internships provide students with practical exposure to their field of study, where they gain experience and assist professionals with tasks and projects.
- Focus: Internships are educational in nature and provide opportunities to explore various career paths, improving both technical skills and professional understanding.
At the end of Phase 2, some programs conclude after 4 sessions (12 months), awarding an Academic Diploma or Higher National Diploma (HND). Those who continue to Phase 3 will deepen their understanding and skills through further industry experience.
Phase 3: Months 13-18
The third phase spans the final 6 months (2 sessions) of the study program, and it focuses on Industry Attachment. By this point, students have developed a solid understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of their field. The third phase is designed to take their skills to a higher level by integrating industrial principles and guidance into their learning.
- Industry Attachment Overview:
- Duration: Varies, but it typically lasts for several months as part of the academic curriculum.
- Objective: Industry attachment is often a required component of the program, where students work within a company or industry related to their field. This allows them to apply academic knowledge in a real-world setting.
- Focus: The main focus is to give students a deeper understanding of how their academic learning applies in real-world professional environments. This can involve observation, project-based learning, and sometimes hands-on work, giving students a well-rounded experience.
At the end of Phase 3, some study programs conclude after 6 sessions (18 months) and award a Professional Diploma or Higher National Diploma (HND). Students who continue beyond this point move into a further phase of Industry Attachment as part of their ongoing development.
This structured approach ensures that students not only acquire knowledge in their chosen fields but also gain practical, hands-on experience. The combination of apprenticeship, internships, and industry attachments gives students a comprehensive, real-world education that prepares them for success in their careers.
Core Training and Specialization Training
Core Training Program and Specialization Training Program are two types of training pathways designed to develop different levels of expertise and skills. Here’s how they differ:
Core Training Program:
- Objective: The core training program focuses on building a strong foundational knowledge and skill set in a particular field. It covers essential, broad-based concepts and competencies that are required across multiple roles within the industry.
- Target Audience: This program is typically aimed at beginners, students, or professionals looking to develop a solid base in a specific area.
- Content: Core training usually includes basic principles, techniques, and methodologies that are applicable to a wide range of job functions within the field. For example, in IT, core training might cover basic programming languages, cybersecurity fundamentals, and networking principles.
- Outcome: Completion of a core training program enables individuals to understand the key aspects of a field, making them well-rounded professionals capable of performing general tasks across various roles.
Specialization Training Program:
- Objective: Specialization training focuses on advanced knowledge and skills in a specific subfield or niche area of a larger industry. It’s designed to provide in-depth expertise in a particular domain.
- Target Audience: This program is typically aimed at individuals who already have foundational knowledge (perhaps from a core training program) and are looking to advance their skills in a particular specialization or career path.
- Content: Specialization training dives deeper into a specific topic, such as data science, AI programming, cloud computing, or advanced cybersecurity. It provides hands-on, in-depth exposure to tools, techniques, and methodologies tailored to the chosen area of expertise.
- Outcome: Upon completion, participants gain a high level of competence in a specialized area, making them experts or highly skilled professionals in that domain, ready for roles requiring niche knowledge.
In summary:
- Core Training Program builds a broad foundational skill set that prepares individuals for general roles within an industry.
- Specialization Training Program develops advanced expertise in a specific area, allowing individuals to excel in specialized roles.
Both programs complement each other, with the core training program laying the groundwork and the specialization program honing expertise in a particular field.