Technical writing skill is one of the most valued and in-demand skills today. With its rapid growth, more people are training to improve their skills in technical writing. If you are one such person and trying to put the title “technical writer” into your resume, enrolling in a technical writing course will come in handy. This article will provide you with information on technical content writing and different institutions which provide technical writing courses in Ghana.
What is Technical Writing?
Technical writing is a form of writing in which technology (such as a product or service) is explained in a way that even the average person can follow without much assistance. There is no denying that technology is not for everyone. Many people in the customers’ community might find it demanding to understand the technical aspects of a product or service that they consume.
It is best to simplify such a case for the end-users. This will also prove advantageous for the sale of said product or service. Earlier, technical writing was exclusively for strictly technical institutions. It is more common today than it used to be earlier. Institutions and fields with less technological expertise are also making use of technical writing as a method of communicating with their consumers.
A well-written technical document, audio-manual, video, and so on can help the general public understand and utilize technology for their advancement and needs. In simple terms, technical writings are easy-to-understand descriptions or instructions written by writers to convey complex technical concepts or features. Many technical writing courses in Ghana cover this form of writing in detail.
What are the Roles of a Technical Writer?
The main job of a technical writer is to simplify complex technical aspects of a product or service for the easy understanding of readers or users. A technical writer might have to perform various roles while in employment. These include:
- Understanding and learning of the technology from the experts.
- Establish and understand the client base.
- Developing detailed documentation of the product and its making.
- Produce detailed user guides.
- Work with graphic designers, illustrators, and video creators to produce user manuals.
- Edit and revise said documents.
- Create content in different mediums to ensure maximum usability.
What Skills Technical Writer Should Have?
Technical writers must possess various skills to perform the duties listed above. One can develop these skills through practice and time. Various technical writing courses in Ghana provide training to grow these skills, and these courses are listed later in this article.
The most relevant skills that a technical writer should possess are:
- Ability to undertake comprehensive research.
- Ability to pay attention to detail and do quality documentation.
- Ability to grasp complex technical aspects quickly and convert them into easily understandable forms.
- English language proficiency.
- Written and verbal communication skills.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft office.
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Types of Technical Writing
The process of technical writing deals with various types of manuals or documents. Hence, technical content is of different types. There are generally three types of technical writing:
Traditional Technical Writing
Technical writing traditionally targets a specific audience. In this type of technical writing, the content is complex and will need to be simplified for readers to understand. The writers are generally specialized or have expertise in the particular field in this type of technical writing. White papers, medical writing, research papers, and repair manuals fall into this category.
- Medical and Scientific papers:
This type of technical writing falls under medical and scientific fields. Complex information gets translated into a readable format for a targeted audience. This type of technical writing is executed mostly after the research stage. Comprehensible studies get developed from these for the ease of reading. Technical writers have to pay attention to details, be well-versed with the subject and organize the content accordingly in this type of technical writing.
- Reports and Reviews:
Technical writers are also employed to write professional reports and reviews in the finance and business industries. These documents are for the growth of a business or institution.
End-user Documentation
In this type of technical writing, an end-user is considered for a product or service. User guides such as operation manuals and maintenance manuals fall into this category.
- Product Manuals:
A product manual is a small booklet or pamphlet used to inform a user about the specifications, features, and maintenance methods of a product or service. These are most common in automobiles and heavy machinery. User and Assistance Manuals. This type of technical writing conveys the usage and operation of a product or service in simple terms. It ensures proper end-use results for all users. Such manuals generally break down the parts of the product into units and explain the working and usage in depth.
Technical Marketing Communications
This type of technical writing communicates and markets the product to the users. The technical aspects of the product or service will be translated into comprehensive formats so that users can understand and benefit from the product. These guides can help a customer understand a product better and develop an interest in the product. This can cause an increase in sales. Sales pitches, detailed emailers, and flyers fall into this type of technical writing.
What is the Scope of Technical Writing in Ghana?
Ghana is developing at a fast pace with many digital and technological advancements. In such a scenario, jobs related to these technologies are also increasing. Technical writing is also one such job. Many technical writing courses in Ghana have detailed curriculums that provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills.
Digitalization and the pandemic have led to a rise in jobs that can be executed well online. Industries that perform well digitally have increased. This has increased the demand for technical writers as well. Almost all industries such as IT, medicine, aerospace, government, and engineering require technical writers to bridge the gap between the product and the users or readers.
A career in technical writing has many advantages:
- High pay even for freshers in the industry.
- Demand for a job in different sectors.
- Opportunity to learn and interact with new technology, ideas, etc.
Along with the advantages, there are a few disadvantages that you could face while pursuing a career in technical writing in Ghana. These include:
- Expertise and experience might be required to sustain in this industry.
- Work pressure might be high.
- Writing on the same topic might lead to boredom.
- You might have to work at odd working hours.
With a high level of skill set and experience, one could positively make it big in the technical writing industry. Various short-term and long-term technical writing courses in Ghana provide students with opportunities for this growth. It will be worth investing in such a course if you have chosen technical writing as a career path.
7 Best Technical Writing Courses in Ghana
The number of technical writing courses in Ghana is increasing per year. A reputed and valued institution can help you build a remarkable career in technical writing. These courses provide you with a rich curriculum that will prepare you for a lifelong career in the technical writing industry.
1. IIM Skills
IIM Skills is a top-rated online platform in India that provides various short-term skill-developing courses such as content writing master course, advanced SEO course, and master digital marketing course. They host one of the best technical writing courses in Ghana. You can develop your skill and experience with this course. On enrolling in the technical writing master course, you learn different skills through lectures, assignments, and internships.
Technical Writing Course Features:
- Five weeks of live online classes.
- One month guaranteed internship after the course.
- Experienced faculty at service.
- Access to software tools.
- Resolute placement cell available.
- Lifetime support and availability of content.
- Guidance for portfolio development.
- Hands-on training.
- Master certification provided on completion of the course.
- Money-back guarantees if the first session is found unsatisfactory.
- Opportunity to publish technical writing on the Times of India blog.
- Fully online.
Fee– GH₵ 1349.23+ GST
Email ID– info@iimskills.com
Other Courses
2. Google
Google Technical writing courses for engineers is a free collection of technical writing courses aimed at engineers, engineer-adjacent roles, and computer science students. While it might not be suitable if you are not from the said group, it can prove extremely useful otherwise. This course is one of the top technical writing courses in Ghana.
The following are some of the important features of the course:
- It consists of two parts: pre-class and in-class lessons.
- Each segment is 2-2.5 hours long.
- Provision of all tools necessary for the in-class lessons.
- Suitable for software engineers, engineer-adjacent roles, and computer science students.
- Fully online.
Fee– Free
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3. Udemy
Udemy is one of the most accessible online platforms created to share and exchange knowledge. Many accredited courses are available on the platform for skill development. The professional technical writing course is one such program. It is one of the best technical writing courses available in Ghana. With basic English proficiency and writing skills, this course can help you to gain skills to become an established technical writer.
The following are some of the important features of the course:
- 107 lectures and over 17 hours of video content are made available.
- Exercise sheets with solutions are available.
- 36 quizzes are available for you to attempt anytime.
- PDF e-books and supplementary documents are available for notes.
- Flexible deadline to finish the course.
- Money-back guarantees for 30 days.
- Certificate on completion.
- Lifetime access to the content.
- Fully online.
The course is ideal for people in all sectors. As the time frame is flexible, you will have the privilege to learn on your own time.
Fee– GH₵ 1151.94
4. Coursera
Coursera is a well-known digital platform that hosts thousands of courses online. The technical writing course offered by the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology is an accredited short-term course available online. The program guarantees hands-on experience and completion certification. The certificate is by Coursera.
The following are certain features of the course that makes it impressive:
- Deadlines are flexible and can be adjusted to fit your convenience.
- The program is of intermediate level.
- Training from a skilled instructor.
- Compact course.
- Fully online.
- Certificate on completion.
- Subtitles are available in various languages such as Spanish, French, Arabic, etc.
- Course videos and notes are available.
- Quizzes available.
- Graded assignments and quizzes with feedback.
- Paid course.
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5. Alison
Alison is one of the largest online learning platforms in the world. Students across the globe have access to it. Alison offers various courses from different industries and aims to promote education and skill training. The platform is curated such that students from any background and any skill level can learn using the various courses offered. The technical writing course offered by the is free and teaches the basics of technical writing and communication.
The following are certain features of the course that makes it impressive:
- Free course
- It is a short compact course of 1.5-3 hours.
- Fully online.
- Digital certification, certificate, and framed certificate available.
- The certificates are awarded on completion of the program and passing the exam.
- Course for both technical writing and communication.
6. Technical Writing HQ
Technical writing HQ hosts one of the largest communities of technical writers in the world. Their short-term technical writing course covers all the essential aspects of technical writing. The program is one of the best technical writing courses in Ghana. Students and professionals can equally merit the course.
The following are certain features of the course that makes it impressive:
- Technical writing templates are made available.
- Exclusive interviews with industry experts.
- Instructor feedback on projects.
- Bonus content available.
- Lifetime access to content.
- Certification on completion of courses.
- Training from a skilled instructor.
- Comprehensive curriculum.
- Self-paced.
Fee– GH₵ 2019.64
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7. Henry Harvin
Henry Harvin is an EdTech company based in the US and India. It offers thousands of courses for users across the globe. The technical writing course offered by the institute is one of the top-reviewed. The following are certain features of the program that makes it impressive:
- Integrated curriculum curated by industry experts.
- Practical technical writing training.
- Internships and placement are available.
- Job and interview preparation support available.
- Access to e-learning tools and content.
- Experienced trainers.
- Bootcamps and hackathons are available.
- Self-paced course and live online lessons available.
- Certification on completion of the program.
Fee-
Self-paced course- GH₵ 1208.40
Live online lesson- GH₵ 1342.67
FAQ
1. What should I study to become a technical writer?
To become a technical writer, you can choose from various courses ranging from short-term courses to Bachelor’s degrees in science or related fields. While having proper graduate degrees might be advantageous for the growth of your career, many short-term courses can also provide you with the skills you need.
2. Is there a degree in technical writing?
While there are no degrees for technical writing, degrees related to technical writing and science prove advantageous to technical writers. Masters in Science, Master of Arts in Digital Communications, and Master of Arts in Writing are a few examples. Though such degrees could give you a push in your technical writing career, your skills and experiences value more. You can cultivate these by enrolling in good technical writing courses. Some of the best technical writing courses in Ghana are listed above.
3. What are the types of technical writing?
The major types of technical writing are traditional technical writing, end-user documentation, and technical marketing communications. In traditional technical writing, a targeted technical audience is considered ahead. In this type of technical writing, the content is complex and will be needed to be simplified. Simplified content makes it accessible to the readers.
In end-user documentation, an end-user of the product or service is considered. User guides such as operation manuals and maintenance manuals fall into this category. Technical marketing communications writing communicates and markets the product to the users. The technical aspects of the product or service will be translated into an understandable format so users can understand and benefit from the product.
4. How do I start my technical writing?
If you are below 18 or would like to take a degree before starting a career in technical writing, you can opt for degrees such as a Master’s in Science or a Master of Arts in Digital Communications. This might give you an added advantage. In the other case, certified courses are available online and offline to develop your technical writing skills. A list of technical writing courses in Ghana is listed above. These courses are online, and more information will be available on the list.
Conclusion
Technical writing is a highly demanded skill in this age of digitalization. Many industries have a high demand for technical writers to communicate with their users. Hence, there are job opportunities for technical writers in abundance today. As Ghana is developing at a fast pace, technical writers are also in high demand. There are many ways by which you can start your career in technical writing.
The best course of action might be to join a technical writing course to sharpen your skills and gain experience. Technical writing is a field that will see a further rise in demand due to digitalization and the pandemic. If you’re interested in technical writing, this might be the best time to invest in a technical writing course and kickstart your career. Being passionate and determined will take you far, and all you have to do now is take the first step.