Skill Trades
The theory courses of the Institute of Professional and Entrepreneurial Studies – IPES in Accra are taught in DevWorld Tech Academy’s premises and classrooms. The courses’ practical sessions and projects are done at the various relevant factories and construction sites.
Explore our comprehensive programs in Skill Trades designed to equip you with hands-on experience and industry-specific knowledge. Whether you’re interested in plumbing, electrical work, or HVAC-R systems, our courses provide the practical skills and certifications needed for a rewarding career in the skilled trades.
Qualifications at IPES
Qualifications (gained through training programs) typically refer to the formal educational degrees or academic credentials a person earns, such as a Certificate, Diploma, Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD. These qualifications usually involve completing a set curriculum at an accredited institution over an extended period of time. They provide a broad, foundational understanding of a subject and are often required for entering certain professions.
Here’s an overview of the different types of certificates, diplomas, qualifications & certifications offered at IPES – Institute of Professional and Entrepreneurial Studies:
Academic Certificate
At IPES, Academic Certificates are awarded to students who complete 3 months – 6 months of courses and study programs.
- Purpose: Designed to provide foundational knowledge and skills in a specific area of study, offering a short-term educational experience.
- Duration: Typically takes 3 to 6 months to complete.
- Issuers: Professional bodies, colleges, industry associations, online education platforms, and accredited educational institutions.
- Examples: Academic Certificate in Air Conditioning, Academic Certificate in Digital Marketing.
Professional Certificate
At IPES Professional Certificates are awarded to students who completes 9 months – 12 months courses and study programs.
- Purpose: Aimed at enhancing skills and knowledge for a specific profession or job role.
- Duration: Can range from a few weeks to several months.
- Issuers: Professional bodies, industry associations, universities, and online education platforms.
- Examples: Professional Certificate in Plumber, Professional Certificate Welding
Academic Diploma
At IPES Academic Certificates are awarded to students who completes 12 months – 18 months courses and study programs.
- Purpose: Provides comprehensive education in a specific field, often serving as a pathway to a higher degree.
- Duration: Usually takes one to two years to complete.
- Issuers: Universities, colleges, and educational institutions.
- Examples: Academic Diploma in Software Engineering, Academic Diploma in Computer Science.
Professional Diploma
At IPES Professional Diplomas are awarded to students who completes 15 months or higher courses and study programs. And completes at least a three (3) months internship/apprenticeship directly relevant to their field of studies.
- Purpose: Focuses on practical skills and knowledge required for a specific profession, often including hands-on training.
- Duration: Can range from a few months to two years.
- Issuers: Vocational schools, community colleges, and professional training organizations.
- Examples: Professional Diploma in Plumbing, Professional Diploma in Metal-Works.
Industry Verified
At IPES Industry Verified are awarded to students who completes 15 months or higher courses and study programs. And complete at least one real-life major project with an external company in our three (3) months career path program.
- Purpose: Indicates that a certificate or diploma has been reviewed and approved by industry experts or organizations, ensuring relevance and quality.
- Issuers: Typically, industry associations or bodies in collaboration with educational institutions.
- Examples: Industry-verified certifications in fields like information technology, healthcare, and engineering
National Higher Diploma (HND)
To be awarded a National Higher Diploma after studying at IPES & DWTA, you must first complete 36 months (3 years) or higher study program (course).
Then you will write and pass the final exam given by Ghanaian Government Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (under the National TVET Qualification Framework); student who pass this final exam are awarded National Higer Diploma (HND).
- Purpose: Provides comprehensive education in a specific field, often serving as a pathway to a bachelor’s degree in any Technical University in Ghana.
- Duration: Usually takes one to two years to complete.
- Issuers: Universities, Government Agencies, colleges, and educational institutions.
- Examples: HND in Carpentry, HDN in Welding.

IPES Qualifications & Certifications in Ghana
Let’s explain these two main categories of post-secondary study programs: training study programs that lead to qualifications (like degrees, diplomas, certificates), and certification programs that lead to certifications (such as being certified in a skill or profession). These serve different purposes, have different structures, and offer different benefits.
Key Differences
Aspect | Qualification Programs | Certification Programs |
---|---|---|
Goal | Broad education and theoretical knowledge (practical-based for academies & technical schools) | Skill-based training and validation |
Awarded by | Universities, colleges, academies, institutes, education-related government agencies | Industry organizations or associations, large companies |
Type of Credential | Degree, diploma, or certificate (academic) | Certification or license |
Duration | Months to years | Weeks to months |
Cost | Often higher | Often lower or same |
Examples | Diploma in Plumbing and Piping Systems | NCCER Certified Welder, Red Seal Certification – Plumbing, EPA 608 Certification – HVAC/R Technician |
Use Case | Career foundation, further education | Career advancement, skill validation |
Regulation | Regulated by education authorities | Regulated by industry bodies |
Why They’re Different
Summary Table
Program Type | Result | Provider | Duration | Ideal For |
---|---|---|---|---|
Academic Qualification | Degree, Diploma, Cert | Colleges, Academies, Institutes, Universities, Education-Related Government Agencies | 1–4+ years | Long-term careers, further study |
Professional Certification | Certified Status | Industry Bodies, Large Companies | Weeks to months | Job roles, career advancement |
Qualifications/Certifications | Example (Trade Field) |
---|---|
Certificate (Academic) | Certificate in Sheet Metal Fabrication |
Diploma | Diploma in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning |
Associate Degree | Associate Degree in Electrical Systems Technology |
Bachelor’s Degree | Bachelor’s in Construction or Building Services |
Master’s Degree | Master’s in Energy Systems (HVAC/R Focus) |
Professional Certification | Certified HVAC/R Technician (EPA, NATE) |
Industry Licensing or Trade Certification | Journeyman Plumber, Certified Millwright |
Community College Program | Carpentry Techniques Certificate |

The theory courses of the Institute of Professional and Entrepreneurial Studies – IPES in Accra are taught in DevWorld Tech Academy’s premises and classrooms.
The courses’ practical sessions and projects are done at the various relevant factories, workshops and construction sites.
Address
DevWorld Tech Academy,
School Junction, Ashaley Bowte.
No. 31 Nmai Dzorn Papafio Hills Rd, Holy Ghost Festival Junction, Near Nmai Dzorn Curve, Accra, Ghana.
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You can also search DevWorld Tech Academy on google maps to get directions to us.
Whatsapp Number ONLY
+233 24 552 3858