In a bid to foster a more skilled and competitive workforce, the Zambian government, through the Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA), has joined forces with 22 companies in a K70 million initiative.
This program focuses on “employer-based training and apprenticeship contracts,” providing on-the-job training for over 4,300 employees spanning various sectors like mining, energy, manufacturing, and information technology (ICT).
The endeavor underscores a pivot towards industry-driven skills development.
Brilliant Habeenzu, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Technology and Science, speaking on behalf of Minister Felix Mutati, stressed the significance of industry involvement. He views work-based training as pivotal for national productivity.
“TEVET is instrumental in meeting critical skills needs by offering tailored and on-the-job training to meet workforce demands and ensure sustained productivity,” Mutati stated in a speech delivered on his behalf.
Mutati further underscored the necessity of a skilled local workforce to attract investment.
“We cannot attract investment with imported labor; we need a well-prepared workforce for various sectoral investments,” he emphasized.
Cleophas Takaiza, Director General of TEVETA, echoed the importance of employer-led training. He described the initiative as a means to “up-skill and re-skill the workforce” and “foster a culture of lifelong learning and entrepreneurship.”
This collaboration between government and industry signals a strategic shift towards empowering Zambian businesses to shape the skills of their future workforce, potentially leading to a more competitive and adaptable national economy.
Main Image :Kalemba News
