Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Zimpapers Writer
THE Government is rolling out an ambitious ‘Vocational Training Transformation Framework Programme’ designed to equip training institutions to meet industry demands, foster inclusivity, and build resilience against social challenges.
Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Kudakwashe Mupamhanga, announced this in Bulawayo on Friday during the graduation ceremony of 226 vocational training graduates from Bulawayo and Matabeleland North, held at Lobengula Hall.
He described the transformation agenda as “unapologetically ambitious”, emphasising the need to develop skills for key economic sectors.
“My ministry is implementing the Vocational Training Transformation Framework, which aims to professionalise, standardise and modernise vocational training across the country,” said Deputy Minister Mupamhanga.
He said that the programme will establish innovation hubs for local solutions and green technologies, digital campuses for coding, design and e-commerce, as well as enterprise incubators for youth-led businesses and cooperatives.
“These centres must reflect the realities of Matabeleland and Bulawayo, be responsive to industry, inclusive of culture and resilient against social threats. We are integrating tracer studies, production units and inclusive curricula to ensure that every skill leads to opportunity,” he said.
Deputy Minister Mupamhanga said the graduates embody the spirit of the National Youth Empowerment Strategy, recently launched by President Mnangagwa — a bold commitment to equip young Zimbabweans with tools for self-reliance, innovation and leadership.
“By investing in enterprise and digital skills, we are turning potential into productivity and dreams into development,” he said.
He warned that young people face a “silent war”, noting that drug and substance abuse is not merely a health crisis but a crisis of opportunity, identity and hope.
“Vocational training is our shield, skills are our antidote and enterprise is our escape route. When young people are equipped to build, create and lead, they do not need to numb their potential. Every welding torch, sewing machine and digital device is a weapon against despair,” said the Deputy Minister.
He said the graduation ceremony reflects Government’s commitment under the National Development Strategy 1, which prioritises human capital development, youth empowerment and inclusive economic growth. Vocational training, he stressed, remains central to equipping young people with skills to drive productivity, innovation and resilience.
The Deputy Minister revealed that the Government, through his ministry, is pursuing a deliberate policy to establish at least one vocational training centre in every district, urging local authorities to support the initiative by providing land and infrastructure.
“Given their demographic significance, our youth have the potential to contribute immensely to the economic development agenda as enunciated by President Mnangagwa,” he said.
The graduation ceremony was held under the theme: “Innovate, Digitalise and Enterprise.”
Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) are specialised institutions that equip students with practical skills for specific trades, focusing on hands-on learning rather than purely academic instruction. They offer programmes in fields such as carpentry, welding, cosmetology, computer repair and mechanics, preparing graduates for employment through industry-specific training. Some VTCs also assist graduates with job placements after completion. There are 45 VTCs across the country.
