TEVETA and Hitachi Construction Machinery Zambia yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at improving the quality, relevance and industry alignment of skills development. 

And Hitachi has offered 85 opportunities for the youth under Work-Based Learning as part of the MoU with TEVETA. 

The MoU establishes a structured and accountable framework for collaboration on Work-Based Learning (WBL), Human Resource Development (HRD) and curriculum review to ensure skills training was aligned with industry demands.

Speaking during the MoU signing, Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati said hands on training was the only way to make industries competitive and response to the changing times. Mr Mutati said skills training required learners to interact with the equipment and create and operate machines, instead of relying on the old text book theories.

He said the MoU between TEVETA and HITACHI is a milestone and in line with the government’s vision of increasing productivity in industries to boost economic development. Mr Mutati said the MoU aligns with Zambia’s national copper production target of three million metric of copper as well as broader industrialisation goals.

“As government we appreciate that the industry players have been kind to us by sharing their expertise in through initiatives such as this one demonstrated through the MoU between TEVETA and HITACHI, “ Mr Mutati said. 

He said since 2021 to date the country’s investment has crossed K2 billion owing to the critical reforms that government has been undertaking in reviving the economic sector. Mr Mutati said government had been working with various industry players to achieve economic growth and called on TEVETA to continue collaborating with more entities beyond HITACHI.

And Hitachi Construction Machinery Zambia President, Nobuhiko Saito said the company had one of the best equipment in the country. He added that the company was ready to immediately take up 85 young people under Work-Based Learnign to actualise goals of the MoU.

Mr. Saito said Hitachi believed in quality skills for economic transformation e hence the need to create opportunities of skills transfer to the young people. “We believe long term success in Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) industry and the country depends on the quality of skills we develop today.”

He noted that the heavy equipment sector evolved rapidly driven by new technologies, automation, digital integration and increased demand for highly skilled technicians. “To meet this future confidently, Zambia needs a strong, industry-aligned apprenticeship system. This MoU gives us the framework to build exactly that,” he added. 

Mr. Saito Hitachi and TEVETA would use the MoU to strengthen apprenticeship training, align curriculum to modern industry standards, expand practical training opportunities and equip young Zambians with the competencies needed to succeed in competitive environment. 

Meanwhile TEVETA Board chairperson Ngoza Nkwabilo said the board was given a mandate to revolutionarise the TEVET sector and it has made strides to do so during its tenure. Mrs Nkwabilo added that TEVETA will ensure that skills training in the country is competence based by ensuring that the learners have a feel of production. 

“As a board, we are particularly pleased that this collaboration directly supports TEVETA’s Strategic Plan, which prioritises (i) strong and structured industry partnerships, (ii) economic transformation driven by skills development, (iii) increased workforce employability and (iv) expansion of Competency-Based Education and Training, commonly referred to as CBET,” she said. 

She noted that CBET was a practical model and industry-centred approach to training for increased workforce employability. “CBET requires that students acquire competencies in real work environments. Therefore, industry participation is essential. Without meaningful workplace exposure, competency-based training cannot fully achieve its intended impact.” 

Mrs. Nkwabilo said the MoU was a commitment to Zambia’s future workforce, to industrial competitiveness and to inclusive economic growth. This MoU sets the standard for future partnerships in mining, construction, manufacturing and advanced equipment technologies.

And TEVETA Director General Cleophas Takaiza added that the MoU focused on Work-Based Learning (WBL) in the mining and construction sectors. Mr. Takaiza said the areas of the MoU will include apprenticeships, internships  and structured industrial attachments to help the learner experience production in real time.

He said TEVETA was strategically shifting classroom-based predominant training to industry-integrated and competency-driven.

Mr. Takaiza said the main areas of collaboration in the MoU included (i) Heavy Equipment and Mechanical Engineering (ii) Hydraulics, Powertrain and Core Systems Technology (iii) Electrical and Electronic Systems Engineering (iv) Automation, Mechatronics and Digital Technologies and (v) Fabrication, Welding and Manufacturing Technologies.

“These are not ordinary trades. These are specialised, high-demand technical occupations that directly support Zambia’s mining, construction, and manufacturing sectors,” he added. He said the MoU demonstrated a shared commitment by TEVETA and Hitachi to build a skilled, competent and industry ready workforce that supports Zambia’s economic transformation agenda. 

Work-Based Learning opportunities Hitachi offered to the youths are Heavy Equipment Engineering (25), Electrical Technology and Electronics (15), coded welding (15), machine assembly (15) and Automation  mechatronics 15). The partnership is expected to enhance workforce readiness and contribute to Zambia’s industrial growth and economic transformation agenda.