TEVETA and key partners have stepped up efforts to prepare industry stakeholders for the rollout of the pilot national apprenticeship programme. At a capacity-building workshop held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, representatives from government, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) industry and training institutions gathered to clarify their roles in developing a workforce aligned with current labour market needs.

The initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen the TEVET system through Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET), which emphasises practical, job-ready skills. The workshop also provided a platform for stakeholders to share ideas, strengthen partnerships, and explore ways to deliver quality, accountable training.

Speaking at a capacity-building workshop for host enterprises, Ministry of Technology and Science Permanent Secretary Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu commitment to CBET as a key driver of economic transformation. 

Dr. Habeenzu said CBET was critical to lowering Zambia’s 17% youth unemployment rate by absorbing close to 300,000 young people who enter the labour market each year

The Permanent Secretary contended that apprenticeship provided a vital bridge between education and employment. He emphasised that host enterprises were central to the success of CBET, with 60 percent of training delivered in real workplace settings.

Dr. Habeenzu said the CBET approach was vital in producing a technically competent workforce that also possessed practical experience, critical thinking abilities, innovative and adaptability required to thrive in a dynamic labour market.

“A key strength of CBET is its strong link to industry. It focuses on industry-informed curricula, training based on occupational standards, practical workplace learning, measurable competencies, and strong partnerships between institutions and employers. This approach cannot succeed without collaboration,” Dr. Habeenzu said.

And TEVETA Director General, Cleophas Takaiza said the workshop aligned with the national vision to transform the economy through quality and relevant workforce.

Mr. Takaiza said to ensure a successful rollout of CBET, the industry needed to fulfil four critical roles that included active mentorship, sector expert guiding to apprentices and access to modern equipment for the youth gain hands-on experience with real-world technology.

He added that there was need for structured work environments to provide safe and supportive spaces for practical learning and constant feedback from industry for continuous refinement of the TEVET value-chain.

Mr Takaiza said through the programme, participating industries would train apprentices in the manner that fit ted their unique operational needs. “This strategy infuses teams with eager, modern-trained youth and builds a reliable, long-term talent pipeline. Ultimately, it allows businesses to stand out as key contributors to Zambia’s economic growth,’ he added.

He explained that TEVETA would regularly review and update training curricula to ensure they remain responsive to the rapidly changing demands of industry. Mr. Takaiza further said the Authority would maintain quality training delivery through comprehensive monitoring and strong quality assurance systems. “TEVETA would continue to provide technical guidance and administrative support to all partners involved in the implementation of training programmes.”

Meanwhile, Ministry of Labour Assistant Legal Officer Chola Kabaso added that work-based learning bridged the gap between training and the labour market. Mr. Kabaso said TEVETA played the central coordinating role in apprenticeship by developing and regulating apprenticeship frameworks, accrediting programmes, setting competency standards and certifying the competencies acquired by apprentices.

The pilot national apprenticeship programme is funded by the European Union (EU) and jointly implemented by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and TEVETA under the Skills Development for Increased Employability Project (SDEP).

SDEP seeks to strengthen the link between technical training and practical workplace experience across priority economic sectors. The pilot initiative is expected to place 1,000 apprentices in key industries in agriculture, tourism, energy and mining.