Employer Engagement Mechanisms

The Education Collaborative Session: Leveling up Employability Skills

The Education Collaborative, an initiative of Ashesi University, is an effort to convene African
universities to share, co-create, innovate and learn new techniques in university teaching and
management, In this session, Dr. Peter Constantinou, IFC Expert on Employer Engagement, shares proven strategies and real-world examples from leading jurisdictions on deploying employer engagement mechanisms.

Also known as industry advisory boards (IABs), program advisory committees (PACs), employer advisory boards, and more. These mechanisms can shape program and curriculum design to, ultimately, better align with labor market needs.

Drawing on years of expertise, Dr. Constantinou explores best practices for building strong partnerships between academia and industry, ensuring graduates are equipped with the skills employers value most.

The session also features insights from Abigail Welbeck, Director of Career Services at Ashesi University, who brings an institutional, practitioner perspective on how employer engagement supports student employability and career readiness. Her contributions highlight how career services teams can work alongside academic leadership and industry partners to translate advisory input into meaningful outcomes for students.

About the Panelists:

• Dr. Peter P. Constantinou, Associate Professor, School of Public Policy and Administration, York University
• Abigail Welbeck, Director of Career Services, Ashesi University

This event was organized by the Education Collaborative at Ashesi University.

Interested in Industry Advisory Boards? Consider one of our workshops that teach the IAB basics.