2 800 Vocational Training Centres trainees from Matabeleland graduating in Bulawayo

THE Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Tino Machakaire is today set to headline a combined graduation ceremony for 2 800 graduands from Vocational Training Centres (VTC) in Bulawayo and Matabeleland North pencilled for Lobengula VTC.
The event will start with a tour of the new Sizinda Vocational Training Centre before the entourage moves to the graduation venue.
Some of the courses offered at Lobengula Vocational Training Centre include building, catering, home decor, hairdressing, welding and carpentry.
VTCs are essentially schools that equip students with skills for a particular job or trade, focusing on practical, hands-on learning, instead of a purely academic curriculum.
They also typically provide programmes in various fields like carpentry, welding, cosmetology, computer repair and mechanics. The training is designed to get one ready for employment by imparting industry-specific knowledge and skills.
Some VTCs even assist graduates with job placements after graduation.
There are 45 VTCs across the country, although the Government plans to have such a facility in each of the country’s 64 districts.
In his 2025 national budget presentation last week, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube announced that ZiG113.9 million has been budgeted for refurbishing and equipping ofcational Training Centres which train and provide hands-on skills to the youths, enabling them to be competitive and veritable entrepreneurs.
“The 2025 National Budget will also support the National Youth Service Programme with an amount of ZiG72.1 million to nurture the youths into responsible citizens with the values of patriotism and discipline. In total, ZiG1.02 billion has been allocated to the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training to support youth empowerment programmes and projects,” said Prof Ncube.