Bell Equipment Zambia Limited has opened a trade testing centre in Kitwe for earthmoving competency certification. Trade testing centres ensure credible assessment, improved training quality, industry relevance, labour mobility and recognition of practical competencies that drive national economic transformation.

Speaking during the graduation of the first co-financed cohort of apprentices by TEVETA and Bell Equipment Zambia Limited,  Bell Equipment Apprenticeship Training Manager, Riaan De Klerk said the trade testing centre would ensure Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) certification by Bell Equipment Zambia Limited was aligned to the Zambian Qualifications Framework (ZQF).  

“The trade centre focuses on assessing baseline competencies for apprentices to upgrade to specialised heavy equipment engineering with time of working with original equipment manufacturers' machines,” Mr. Klerk said. 

The trade testing system is aimed at transitioning from legacy content based training to competency-based training for increased workforce employability in both Zambia and South Africa where Bell Equipment has presence. 

Meanwhile, TEVETA Board Chairperson Ngoza Nkwabilo said skilled technicians in equipment fault diagnostics, advanced repair work and machine rebuilding were vital for sustained mining productivity. 

Mrs. Nkwabilo said as the nation aspired to increase copper production to three million metric tonnes, the mining sector required solid support from highly skilled machine repair technicians. "These graduates are therefore entering a sector that depends on their competencies, discipline and innovation to remain viable, competitive and attractive to additional investment."

She commended Bell Equipment Zambia Limited for its unwavering commitment to skills development by investing in the youth to empower them with relevant employability skills. 

"The partnership between TEVETA and Bell Equipment provides apprentices with rare opportunities to global exposure, hands-on learning, mentorship and access to best practices in equipment maintenance, repair and management. The knowledge and skills obtained here empower these young people to significantly contribute to national mining production targets. This initiative is a shining example of what happens when industry and the training sector unite behind a shared vision," Mrs. Nkwabilo said.

She said apprenticeship training ensured that apprentices gained practical experience, industry mentorship and exposure to real mining operations in readiness for meaningful careers and contribution effectively to Zambia’s economic prosperity.

"The mining sector remains a cornerstone of our economic development. Investing in relevant skills is therefore vital if Zambia is to increase copper production, exploit critical minerals and enhance sector productivity. As the prominence of critical minerals grows globally, TEVETA remains committed to working closely with industry to reshape our national skillset and continuously work with industry to refine the skills landscape for economic transformation and employment creation. Through tailor-made programmes and on-the-job training, TEVET is equipping the workforce with competencies required to meet emerging demands and remain competitive," added Mrs. Nkwabilo.

She said TEVETA invested K6 million in 2023, K8.4 million in 2024 and K9 million in 2025 in the apprenticeship training parthership with Bell Equipment Zambia Limited. "The money comes from your parents, brothers and sisters who contribute to the Skills Development Levy, which TEVETA uses to finance high value skills programmes." 

And TEVETA Director General, Cleophas Takaiza said the collaboration on apprenticeship training aligned with the Authority's Revised Strategic Plan for 2025–2027, which placed strong emphasis on strengthening partnerships that increased support for TEVET, improved its national visibility and ensured skills development responds directly to labour market needs. 

Mr. Takaiza said the Revised Strategic Plan also prioritised the integration of Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) to increase the employability, productivity and competitiveness of TEVET graduates.

"Our partnership with Bell Equipment Zambia Limited is a demonstration of this strategic direction. Through this collaboration, we are strengthening apprenticeship training and developing a pipeline of skilled technicians who will support Zambia’s mining, construction, agriculture and other strategic sectors. The first cohort of apprentices, whose training began in 2023, was co-financed by TEVETA and Bell Equipment through the TEVET Fund. Twenty (20) young Zambians underwent intensive training in earthmoving equipment repair. Today, these apprentices are graduating as competent technicians, ready to contribute effectively in sectors where heavy equipment skills are highly demanded."

He said the Government was committed to repositioning TEVET as an engine for economic transformation, job creation and wealth creation. "However, this aspiration requires collective effort. We must modernise our curriculum, build the capacity of our trainers, strengthen training delivery and enhance assessment systems to reflect modern industry standards."

Meanwhile, Bell Equipment Zambia Limited General Manager, Samsom Chingozho said the training institution the only one to record hundred percent employment at graduation. Mr. Chingozho said all the 20 apprentices were graduating with both competency certificates and employment letters. 

Six (6) out of the 20 the apprentices have been poached by companies in the Saudi Arabia, Australia and Canada. The remaining 14 apprentices have been offered jobs locally at Bell Equipment Zambia Limited and other local companies. Bell Equipment has two (2) other apprenticeship cohorts. The recruitment of the 2026 apprenticeship cohort is underway at the company.