adminTanaka Mahanya
GOVERNMENT has embarked on a drive to establish at least one vocational training centre in every district.
This is meant to ensure alternative education pathways are made available to disadvantaged youths and communities.
Youth, Sport, Art and Recreation permanent secretary, Thokozile Chitepo, said the ministry administers 43 Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) and 25 satellite VTCs.
“Acknowledging the essential role that teachers, trainers, training institutions and other key stakeholders are playing in imparting skills for youth to transition into the labour market and effectively engage in their communities is critical.
“Our call is to ensure that all the youths are able to get relevant skills for employment or entrepreneurship for industry growth.
“The Ministry recognises the importance of strengthening, promoting and guiding vocational skills training and entrepreneurial development among youths and communities, thereby fulfilling the principles of Education 5.0.”
She said training closes the skills gap by equipping the young men and women in the informal sector, rural and urban economy with skills that improve their employability and self-employment in productive decent work.
“Vocational Training Centres have a mandate to develop an entrepreneurial and self-reliant culture among the youths through vocational skills and business management.
“The VTC spaces have been made inclusive to make sure no young person is left behind with efforts being made to reach out to youths.
“Skills development is a trajectory to enhance youth development both locally and on the international level.
“As the service provider in youth skilling, we need to ensure relevance and survival in the competitive ever-changing local and global market,” she said
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter