REPORT ON STUDENT INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME (SIWES)
TRAINING PROGRAMME
AT
Duapa Werkspace, No.8 Degraft Afful Avenue, West-Anaji, Takoradi
https://duapawerkspace.com
info@duapawekspace.com
BY
NAME: ENYAN JUSTINE
INDEX NO: UEB3501121
PROGRAMME: B.Sc.COMPUTER SCIENCE
FROM: 21st October to 6th December 2024
UNIVERSITY OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES, SUNYANI
SCHOOL OF SCIENCES
BEING A REPORT SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER
SCIENCE AND INFORMATICS IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE STUDENT INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE
SCHEME
15th January, 2025
Table of Contents
Title Page
Cover Page 1
Dedication 2
Acknowledgement 3
Table of Contents 4
Chapter One: Introduction 5-7
Chapter Two: [Name of Organisation] 8-11
Chapter Three: Activities during the Industrial Attachment 12-17
Chapter Four: Skills and Knowledge Acquired 18-21
Chapter Five: Problems Encountered 22
Chapter Six: Recommendation and Conclusion 23
Dedication
I dedicate this work to my parents, whose unwavering support and encouragement
have been my foundation, and to God, whose guidance and blessings have made this
journey possible.
Acknowledgement
I sincerely thank my supervisor, Dr. Obed Appiah, for his invaluable guidance and
constructive feedback throughout my industrial attachment. His mentorship provided
clarity and direction, enhancing my learning experience and helping me navigate
challenges effectively.
I am also deeply grateful to the team at Duapa Werkspace for their unwavering support,
collaboration, and encouragement. Their expertise and insights created an enriching environment
for professional growth, and their commitment to excellence inspired me to perform at my best.
Finally, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to my family and friends for their steadfast support and
encouragement during this period. Their belief in my abilities has been a constant source of
motivation.
Chapter One: Introduction
Overview
The general objective of this course is to assign students to collaborating institutions on industrial
attachment for practical training, skills and professional development. Each student will be attached
to Institution Supervisors who will go round the places of attachment and assess students’
performance and progress. There are also supervisors for the students at the place of attachment
who also send their assessments under confidential cover. Students come back to campus to make a
final presentation of their experiences on attachment and present written reports for assessment.
Goals of the Industrial Attachment Policy in Ghana:
1. Enhance student's exposure to new scientific and technological equipment and how to
manipulate them
2. Reinforce theoretical instruction through the use of applied learning facilities
3. Provide opportunities to enable students interact and share experiences and ideas with those
in industry on issues relating to safety precautions, industrial health, environmental pollution
and culture of work in industry
4. Empower students in acquiring practical skills and sharpen old ones by trying their hands on
machines and equipment related to their courses of study
5. Stimulate students' critical thinking abilities and understanding of the problems and
contributions of industry to national development
6. Help institutions to identify problems associated with its curriculum and review it to meet
current and future workplace requirements.
Chapter Two: DUAPA WERKSPACE
Duapa Werkspace was established in 2020 in Takoradi, Ghana, by Mr. Erasmus
Mensah-Ackon. His journey began in 2000 when he faced unemployment due to a
lack of computer literacy. Through perseverance and on-the-job training, he gained
expertise in IT and rose to the position of Operations Officer at CAL Bank Limited.
Driven by a passion for technology and empowering others, he transitioned into software
development, providing IT training and software solutions for microfinance institutions and small
businesses. In 2013, he founded IT4Teens, equipping young people with coding and IT skills.
Building on this foundation, Erasmus created Duapa Werkspace to tackle youth unemployment and
promote entrepreneurship in Western region of Ghana.
Since its establishment, Duapa Werkspace has supported over 150 entrepreneurs and collaborated
with organizations like SNV Netherlands Development Organization and Ghana TechLab. These
partnerships have helped incubate businesses, provide technical training, and empower women-led
enterprises to overcome challenges and grow sustainably.
Their vision is to address youth unemployment and promote entrepreneurship
by providing technical, vocational, and entrepreneurship training. The
organization aims to empower individuals with the skills needed to create
sustainable livelihoods and contribute to the economic growth of Ghana’s
Western region.
Duapa Werkspace provides a range of services aimed at addressing youth
unemployment and promoting entrepreneurship in Ghana’s Western region.
These services include:
1. Office Services
• Event Spaces: Spaces for workshops, seminars, product launches, and networking events,
equipped with modern amenities.
• Private Offices: Fully furnished offices with high-speed internet, ergonomic furniture, and
24/7 access.
• Meeting Rooms: Conference and interview rooms equipped with audiovisual technology
for meetings and presentations.
• Virtual Office Services: Includes mail handling, professional call answering, and use of a
business address.
2. Co-Working Spaces
• Flexible Desks: Shared workspaces for freelancers, startups, and remote workers.
• Dedicated Desks: Permanent desks in shared areas for individuals seeking stability in a
communal setting.
3. Business Support Services
• Mentorship: Access to experienced mentors for business growth.
• Workshops and Seminars: Training sessions on various business topics.
• Networking Opportunities: Events to connect with professionals and collaborators.
• Business Consultation: Includes business planning, market analysis, and coaching.
• Marketing and Branding: Services such as digital marketing, social media management,
and brand identity development.
• Administrative Support: Assistance with document management, scheduling, and virtual
assistant services.
• Financial Services: Bookkeeping, tax preparation, financial planning, and payroll
management.
• Startup Assistance: Support for company registration, compliance, and funding advisory.
4. Website and Software Development
• Website Development: Tailored web solutions to establish or enhance online presence.
• Software Development: Scalable software applications designed for specific business
needs.
• UI/UX Design: Design solutions focused on improving usability and user engagement.
• IT and Tech Support: Reliable technology support for businesses of all sizes.
5. Training and Development
• Professional Development: Training in leadership, team building, and communication
skills.
• Technical Training: Includes IT skills, software training, and digital literacy.
• Workshops and Seminars: Focus on business development, marketing strategies, and
financial management.
• Business Consultation: Training in video production and professional photography.
The organizational structure of the organization include
Board of Directors
• The primary governing body responsible for providing strategic direction and oversight.
• Advisory Board
• A group offering specialized advice and recommendations to support the organization’s
objectives.
• External and Internal Auditors
• Ensure adherence to financial regulations and organizational policies through periodic
audits.
• Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
• Leads the organization and oversees all operations, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
• General Manager (HR and Administration)
• Manages daily operations, human resources, and administrative responsibilities.
• Hub Manager
• Supervises operations within the hub and ensures the efficient implementation of
organizational tasks.
• Departmental Roles
• Business Development
• Focuses on creating strategies for growth and sustainability.
• Supported by the Business Development Officer.
• Finance
• Handles financial management, planning, and reporting.
• Supported by the Finance Manager and Accounts Officer.
• Administration
• Manages administrative tasks and human resource functions.
• Includes an Administrative Officer and an Assistant for HR & Administration.
• Project and Program Teams
• Project Coordinator: Oversees the execution and delivery of organizational projects.
• Community Associate: Facilitates engagement with the community to support
organizational activities.
• Programs Associate: Responsible for the development and management of organizational
programs.
• Project Officers: Assist in the implementation and monitoring of projects.
• Trainers: Deliver training sessions and workshops to build skills and knowledge.
Chapter Three: Activities during the Industrial Attachment
During my industrial attachment, I was involved in several activities designed to
enhance my professional skills and contribute meaningfully to the organization.
Below is a detailed account of my activities, organized week by week:
Week 1: Orientation and Initial Training
• Job Orientation: I was introduced to the organization’s structure, policies, and work
environment. This session helped me understand my role and responsibilities during the
attachment.
• Data Entry and Report Writing: I assisted in entering data into the organization’s system
and prepared reports based on specific assignments.
• IT Training: I was introduced to a new group of students to begin training sessions.
• Introduction to HTML and CSS: I commenced teaching students basic web development
concepts, focusing on HTML and CSS. This week laid the foundation for subsequent
sessions.
Week 2: HTML Basics and Practice
• Building with HTML: I guided students through creating basic web pages using HTML.
This included structuring content with elements such as headings, paragraphs, and lists.
• Mini Project: To reinforce their learning, students completed a mini project that utilized the
HTML concepts taught.
Week 3: HTML and Inline CSS
• Stand-Up Meetings: Participated in brief meetings to discuss progress and plans for the
day.
• Building with Inline CSS and HTML: I introduced students to inline CSS, demonstrating
how to style individual HTML elements directly within their code.
• Introduction to Internal CSS: Explained the concept of internal CSS and how to use the
<style> tag within HTML to apply styles to a web page.
• Mini Project: Students worked on another small project to practice combining HTML and
inline CSS.
Week 4: Internal CSS and Landing Page Design
• Internal CSS: Continued teaching internal CSS, focusing on organizing styles for better
readability and reusability.
• Building a Landing Page: Guided students in designing a basic landing page using internal
CSS and HTML.
• Introduction to External CSS: Introduced the concept of external CSS and how to link a
CSS file to an HTML document.
Week 5: Supporting Youth Innovation and Practical Exercises
• Youth Innovation Circle Program: Supported the organization’s program aimed at
fostering youth-driven innovation and job creation in regions such as Tarkwa, Bokoro,
Takoradi, Shama, and Axim. I assisted in program logistics and participant coordination.
• Landing Page Project: Assigned students to work on their landing page projects,
incorporating the concepts learned so far.
Week 6: Advanced CSS and Login Page Design
• Login Page Project: Instructed students to build a login page that utilized their cumulative
knowledge of HTML and CSS.
• CSS Training: Continued teaching CSS concepts, ensuring students grasped the principles
of styling and layout design.
Week 7: Business Innovation and Introduction to JavaScript
• Business Model Innovation Session: Participated in a session under the Youth Innovation
Circle Program to equip participants with strategies for refining their business models. I
contributed to planning and facilitating the session.
• Introduction to JavaScript: Taught students the basics of JavaScript, including syntax and
how to swap two numbers
• Web Development Training Wrap-Up: Concluded the web development training sessions
by reviewing all concepts covered and providing guidance on further learning.
Through these activities, I gained practical experience in training, technical skills, and program
support, contributing to both my professional development and the organization’s objectives.
Chapter Four: Skills and Knowledge Acquired
During the industrial attachment, several skills and knowledge areas were developed
and enhanced. These included:
1. Public Speaking and Presentation
Conducting IT training sessions with students and participating in business model
innovation programs significantly improved public speaking abilities. Delivering technical
concepts in a clear and engaging manner to a diverse audience required refining
communication skills.
2. Technical Skills in Web Development
Through training sessions, practical projects, and guided learning, proficiency in web
development was enhanced:
• Gained a solid foundation in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Learned to build functional web pages using inline, internal, and external CSS
styling methods.
• Designed and guided projects, including a login page and a landing page, to help
students consolidate their knowledge.
3. Teaching and Mentoring
Introducing students to web development concepts required planning lessons, tailoring
content to their learning pace, and providing constructive feedback on their work. This
experience honed mentoring skills and reinforced the ability to explain complex topics
simply.
4. Data Entry and Report Writing
Performing tasks like data entry and preparing reports helped in understanding the
importance of accuracy and attention to detail. These activities also improved writing skills,
particularly in documenting work processes and results.
5. Organizational and Planning Skills
Managing weekly activities, including teaching sessions, project reviews, and participation
in youth innovation programs, required effective time management and organizational skills.
The ability to prioritize tasks and coordinate multiple responsibilities was strengthened.
6. Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
Teaching students and addressing their challenges in understanding concepts involved
identifying issues quickly and providing solutions. This experience enhanced problem-
solving abilities.
7. Collaboration and Teamwork
Working as part of a team during the Youth Innovation Circle (YIC) Program and other
activities fostered collaboration and teamwork. Coordinating with colleagues to support
youth-driven innovations emphasized the value of collective effort.
8. Business and Innovation Insights
Exposure to programs like the Business Model Innovation Session provided insights into
entrepreneurial strategies, emphasizing innovation in refining business models and
processes.
Chapter Five: Observations and Contributions
During my industrial attachment at Duapa Werkspace, I observed that work
commenced promptly at 8:00 AM, maintaining a structured routine for the day’s
activities. Most participants in the training programs were under the age of 35,
reflecting the organization’s focus on empowering youth. For software and
development training, laptops were provided to participants who did not have their
own devices, ensuring that all individuals could participate effectively. The
organization also offered practical training in various fields, including Fashion (6-
month program), leatherworks, 3D printing, and robotics, catering to diverse interests
and skill development. Asana and Excel were used to schedule and monitor daily
activities, which helped the team stay organized and on track. WhatsApp groups were
utilized to facilitate fast and effective communication among team members and
participants. The Tech Lead was in charge of all software-related projects and
disseminated relevant information to the team, while the Communication Officer
handled writing reports, hosting programs, and managing social media platforms to
enhance engagement and organizational communication.
I contributed to the organization by teaching participants the fundamentals of web development,
focusing on HTML, CSS, and an introduction to JavaScript. This included guiding them through
practical projects such as designing a login page. I also participated in the Youth Innovation Circle
Program, where I was in charge of educating the youth on innovative ideas and developing a grit
mindset. Additionally, I assisted in using Asana to organize and monitor activities, ensuring
deadlines were met and tasks were completed efficiently. During software training sessions, I
provided technical support, helping participants with troubleshooting and ensuring they could
complete tasks effectively. Furthermore, I actively participated in team discussions and
brainstorming sessions, contributing ideas to improve the effectiveness of training programs and
organizational processes.
The attachment reinforced concepts I learned in my web development course, such as HTML, CSS,
and JavaScript. Teaching these topics to participants enhanced my understanding of the principles
and their practical application. Using Asana and Excel for scheduling and activity tracking built
upon my familiarity with organizational tools and improved my project management skills. While
working on reports and assisting with organizational planning, I applied principles from my
financial accounting course to evaluate resource allocation and program efficiency. Addressing
challenges faced by participants during training strengthened my ability to troubleshoot and provide
clear, practical solutions. Interacting with participants and team members improved my
interpersonal and teamwork skills, which are essential for both classroom projects and professional
environments. Observing and participating in 3D printing and robotics programs expanded my
understanding of emerging technologies and their applications, broadening my perspective on
innovation and skill development. This experience has significantly enhanced my practical
knowledge, complemented my academic studies, and provided insights into professional
environments, preparing me for future endeavors.
Chapter Six: Conclusion and Recommendation
During my industrial attachment at Duapa Werkspace, I encountered several
challenges that required adaptability and effective time management. One significant
challenge was handling multiple tasks due to the organization being understaffed.
This situation demanded that I maximize my time efficiently to meet deadlines and
ensure that all responsibilities were fulfilled.
Another challenge was participating in the Youth Innovation Circle Program conducted in targeted
areas. This required me to wake up very early in the morning to travel to these locations, which
often disrupted my usual routine. Additionally, there were occasions when I had to work overtime to
complete tasks and assist with organizational activities. While these experiences were demanding,
they helped me develop resilience and a strong work ethic.
Based on my observations, I recommend that Duapa Werkspace consider employing more staff to
reduce the workload on current employees. This would allow for better task distribution and
improve overall productivity. Furthermore, adopting ClickUp software for daily task management
and project assignments could streamline operations and enhance efficiency. ClickUp’s
comprehensive features would provide better tracking, collaboration, and organization of activities,
making it a more effective tool than the current systems in use. These changes would not only
improve workflow but also create a more supportive work environment for the team.
