Suhum Community Development Vocational/Technical Institute was established in 1964 by Mr. Amoah; the first National Director, Department of Community Development. Formally, the institute was named Rural Training Centre. It was designed initially to train illiterate young women and housewives towards the acquisition of employable skills for gainful employment within a six month period. Leticia Osei
became the first principal of the centre. At first, only Dressmaking and Cookery programmes were offered for the total of six women trainees. Later, reading and other vocational courses were also introduced for young girls and school dropouts. The review of the academic programmes also necessitated the review of the duration from six months to two years. The centre was later named Women's Training Institute (W.T.I.). The institute's name was later changed to 'Community Development Vocational/Technical Institute' to enable it shift its focus to the youth. The institute now admits both male and female students with a minimum of BECE Certifcate for a four year programme. Students who have completed SHS or have dropped out can also apply for a two to three year course. The institute also runs a three year proficiency programme for basic school dropouts and illiterates. The three year proficiency programme focuses on practical skills in their chosen vocation; while the four year trade test programme covers both practical and theory aspects of the vocational skill. Intermediate and advanced certificate courses are available for Cookery and Dressmaking/Fashion students. The current vocational and technical courses being run by the institute include Dressmaking/Fashion, Cookery, Beauty Therapy (Hairdressing), Secretaryship, General Electrical and Auto-Mechanics. Plumbing, Carpentry and Masonry courses are also available to interested students. Core subjects taught in the institute are Entrepreneurship, Home Management, English, Mathematics, General Science, Social Studies and I.C.T. National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI) is the body in charge of organizing examinations and issuing certificates to the students. Certificates awarded:
1. N.V.T.I. Proficiency I & II Certificates after 2 and 3 years respectively.
2. Certificate I & II after 3 and four years respectively.
3. Interested students can register for the Technical and Vocational Examinations.
