The Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati this morning sent off 70 apprentices to Zimbabwe for advanced skills in programmes not offered at higher level locally.

The 70 will undergo apprenticeship training at Harare Polytechnic in Construction Engineering, Garment Construction, Beauty Therapy, Irrigation Engineering and Refrigeration. The apprentices hold Level 4 and3 Certificates of the Zambia Qualifications Framework (ZQF). Harare Polytechnic is a renowned regional centre of excellence in Competence-Based Education and Training (CBET).

Speaking during the sendoff, Mr. Mutati said investing in apprenticeship training demonstrated commitment to building skills, enhancing innovation and employability. Mr. Mutati hailed the initiative by TEVETA as a milestone in developing a highly skilled workforce capable of driving economic transformation.

“Investing in these apprentices is preparing a young generation of contractors, job creators and problem-solvers who will contribute to our economy and improve the quality of life for our people.”

Mr. Mutati urged TEVETA to find more training opportunities for the youth with regional and international partners to create pathways for them to gain practical and competitive skills for wealth and job creation

“The partnership between TEVETA with Harare polytechnic is a powerful example of how collaboration within the region can strengthen our workforce and position the nation as a hub for skilled talent. We are investing in you to equip you with practical and industry-relevant skills, which are we are critical foundation for increased competitiveness and productivity.”

He said when they come back, the apprentices were expected to contribute meaningfully to industry growth, job creation and innovation. “Whether it is constructing modern infrastructure, designing garments that reflect our creativity, enhancing beauty and wellness, managing water resources for agriculture, or maintaining vital refrigeration systems; your skills will be vital to national development.”

And TEVETA Board Chairperson, Ngoza Nkwabilo said the initiative to sponsor apprentices was one of the practical steps aimed at replicating what is working elsewhere. Mrs. Nkwabilo said through this initiative, Zambia will benefit from Zimbabwe’s robust skills development systems to improve our workforce competitiveness and young people’s abilities to seize economic opportunities for job and wealth creation.

“As part of our collaborative efforts, we are locally identifying companies to offer opportunities in workplaces to expose the youth to the world of work for seamless progression into the job market. Young people’s exposure to the world of work is essential for a smooth transition into employment and for nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship.”

Meanwhile, TEVETA Director General, Cleophas Takaiza said the collaboration on apprenticeship training was based on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between TEVETA and Harare Polytechnic in Human Resources Development (HRD) to provide opportunities in programmes not yet offered at higher levels in Zambia.

Mr. Takaiza said Harare Polytechnic implemented Competence Based Education and Training, which TEVETA had integrated in TEVET to address concerns of widening skills gaps and mismatches that made graduates less employable.