Government says it has so far invested 10 million dollars in procuring equipment for various TEVET institutions and has identified Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA) as a critical driver of social economic development.
Speaking during the TEVETA end of year media briefing and signing of MOU between TEVET and engineering Institutions of Zambia-EIZ,Minister of Technology and science Felix Mutati says more that 3.4 million kwacha has being invested in upgrading 51 trainers to masters,Bachelors and Technologist levels qualifications.
Mr Mutation notes that the increase in student enrollment from 38,500 in 2021 to 95,800 with 50 percent of them being females is also due to the constituency development fund – CDF ,which is sponsoring a majority of youths bursary through the ministry of local Government Rural development.
He says improving the quality and relevance in Technical, Vocation and entrepreneurship training (TEVETA) needs an all inclusive approach that addresses curriculum design,teaching funding,work based learning and quality assurance.
The minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutation also says Zambia has won the bid to host the skills competitions for Africa (WSA 2025) to held in Livingstone in March 2025 which will be used to raise the profile of TEVET and skilled people and show the important skills in national and personal development.
Mr Mutati also states that government is committed to increasing access to TEVETA with over K145.7 millions in construction of Sesheke,Lundazi,Mporokoso and Nsumbu trades Training institutes and that government partnered with Kagem Mining Limited to construct Chapula trades training institute.
Meanwhile the minister of Technology has called on TEVETA to develop digital skills in order to remain relevant introducing digital skills.
Speaking at the same event TEVETA Director Mr. Cleophas Takaiza says the institution is striving to align to a changing job market needs,sectoral and national developmental dynamics, aspirations and goals.
Mr Takaiza says TEVET is critical to the provision of skills for improved productivity through industrialisation and value addition through consultations with Zambia Association of Manufacturers-ZAM.
And in giving her vote of thanks ,TEVET beneficiary Melody Mubuyeta who is a person with disability says she is glad to have studied at the Lusaka youth resource center and was able to be employed by Shoprite despite her having hard of hearing. She says she used to doubt her capabilities but is now to be able to earn a decent living.
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BEATS FM ZAMBIA