Ministry of Technology and Science Permanent Secretary Brilliant Habeenzu says the New Dawn Government has prioritised skills development for the young people to improve the country’s workforce employability and competitiveness through the promotion of vocational training and skills development. Dr. Habeenzu said young people possessed the drive, determination, and ingenuity to shape a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

Speaking during the official opening of the Regional Skills Competition at the Lusaka Business and Technical College (LBTC), Dr. Habeenzu said the skills competition demonstrated the Governments’ commitment to investing in skills development and vocational education to empower youths with practical competences to effectively participate in economic development. He said the Ministry of Technology and Science and TEVETA had organised the WorldSkills Zambia Competitions at the regional level in preparation for the major events taking place in Lyon 2024 and WorldSkills Africa Skills in Livingstone, 2025 respectively.

Dr. Habeenzu said WorldSkills Competition was not merely an event but a platform for transformation the economy through skilled young professionals from various countries who would be competing in their respective trades and showcasing extraordinary talents and capabilities. “Today we are witnessing the inaugural regional competitions that are hosted in Ndola and Luanshya representing the Northern Region and Lusaka representing the Southern Region. These competitions are taking place at the same time, “Dr Habeenzu said.

He said WorldSkills Zambia aims to promote excellence in Vocational Education and Training, fostering partnerships between industry and academia as well as showcasing the diverse range of skills that exist within the country.

And TEVETA Director General, Cleophas Takaiza said the country applied to belong to the global WorldSkills International movement that promotes excellence in skills. Mr. Takaiza commended the Government for supporting the TEVET sector so that it can become part of the global movement. He said hosting the WorldSkills Competition gave the country, especially the youth, an opportunity to compete, innovate, challenge their abilities, and showcase their skills.

Mr. Takaiza said the country would benefit from the competition because the best people would be released in the labour market both locally and abroad utilising international competitions. “Out of the WorldSkills Competition some of you students might be identified for positions even employment because competitions such as this one are a collaboration between Government, training providers and private sector,” Mr Takaiza said.