TEVET Fund chairperson, Fr. Dr. Leonard Namuhumba says the partnership between TEVETA and Bell Equipment in apprenticeship training was a transformative initiative in developing relevant and competitive skills for job and wealth creation.

Speaking during a sendoff ceremony of apprentices at Bell Equipment funded by TEVETA , Fr. Dr. Namuhumba said the partnership initiative by Bell Equipment was a demonstration of strong collaboration between industry and training to develop a competent workforce to drive growth in priority sectors such as mining, agriculture and construction.

“Your commitment to skills development and your confidence in the young Zambians is an outstanding commitment to the development of relevant skills for job and wealth creation in critical sectors like mining. Your partnership with TEVETA offers apprentices an opportunity to gain global exposure, learn best practices, and bring back expertise that will benefit our nation in meeting 3 million tonnes target in the mining sector.”

He said with the rapidly evolving job market, it was vital to continuously invest in industry-relevant training such as competency-based training, which prepared the youth for real-world challenges.

“The TEVET Fund Committee, which chair, was established to support initiatives that bridge the gap between industry needs and workforce capabilities. As a committee, are a live to the fact that the world is evolving rapidly, and industries require a skilled workforce to remain competitive.  Our investment in empowering the youths with hands-on skills through the TEVET Fund is shaping the future and strengthening Zambia’s attractiveness to investment.”

Bell Equipment commended TEVETA for financing apprenticeship to develop competent technicians in earthmoving equipment to meet mining sector skills needs to increase productivity. 

Bell Equipment Director Finance, Andrew Ngwata said exposure to industry through apprenticeships made young people from TEVET institutions more employable and competitive.

Bell Equipment has 60 apprentices in earthmoving equipment funded under the TEVET Fund. The intervention is aimed at increasing the employability of technicians in earthmoving equipment to help meet the 3 million tonnes target in the mining sector.

The apprenticeship training is funded through the TEVET Fund using proceeds from the Skills Development Levy (SDL).