Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, Midlands Bureau
VOCATIONAL training centres are emerging as hubs of innovation, producing entrepreneurs and job creators who are driving the nation towards Vision 2030.
Deputy Minister of Youth, Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Kudakwashe Mupamhanga, said this during the third Joint Midlands Vocational Training Centres Graduation Ceremony, recently held at Kaguvi Vocational Training Centre in Gweru.
More than 600 graduates from Kaguvi VTC, Gweru Urban VTC, Shurugwi VTC, Mvuma VTC, Chirumhanzu, Zvishavane, Gokwe VTC and Nyamuroro VTC received certificates after completing various vocational programmes across the province.
“This event brings together graduates from our various centres across the province, symbolising unity of purpose, shared vision and collective progress in advancing skills development in our beloved nation, Zimbabwe,” he said.
Deputy Minister Mupamhanga said the country is witnessing a transformation led by young people equipped with hands-on skills, empowered to innovate and prepared to contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s socio-economic development.
“Allow me to express my sincere appreciation to all the principals, trainers and support staff who have guided and mentored our learners throughout their journey. Your dedication to nurturing talent and skills is building the foundation for a more prosperous province and nation,” he said.
This year’s ceremony, held under the theme: “Innovate, digitalise and enterprise: Training and Skills Development — combating drug and substance abuse”, saw a total of 611 students graduating.
Of these, 437 were male and 174 female. The Deputy Minister said more effort was needed to increase young women’s participation in vocational training.
He noted that the graduates underwent rigorous training in fields such as Agriculture, Motor Mechanics, Automobile Electrics, Hotel and Catering, Leather Technology, Clothing Technology, Carpentry and Joinery, Plumbing, Brick and Block Laying, Metal Fabrication and Electrical Power Engineering, among others.
Deputy Minister Mupamhanga said Zimbabwe is moving steadily towards achieving Vision 2030, which aims to build an empowered, prosperous upper-middle-income economy. Skills development and vocational training, he said, must be at the centre of that journey.
He added that vocational skills align with key national priorities under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which emphasises employment creation, youth empowerment, industrialisation, value addition, human capital development, innovation and digital transformation.
“Our Vocational Training Centres are therefore not just learning institutions; they are production hubs and innovation engines that prepare our youth to participate meaningfully in national development,” he said.
VTCs are producing graduates, who are ready to create jobs rather than simply seek them, in line with the Government’s Education 5.0 philosophy, which focuses on teaching, research, community service, innovation and industrialisation.
“In pursuit of Vision 2030, skills development is our bridge from aspiration to achievement. The Government has prioritised technical and vocational education as a driver of industrial recovery, empowerment of young people and women through entrepreneurship, digital transformation and innovation across sectors,” he said.
Deputy Minister Mupamhanga said his ministry has carried out topographical surveys for existing VTCs in Midlands, including a new centre in Kwekwe. The surveys will guide new master plans featuring upgraded computer laboratories, workshops and modern infrastructure.
He stressed the importance of linking VTCs with industry and financial institutions to ensure graduates can access markets, capital and mentorship. As such, ICT integration in vocational training remains a priority, with many centres already connected to the internet and plans underway to establish innovation hubs at Nyamuroro VTC and Zvishavane VTC.
“Our goal is to produce digitally literate artisans — young people who can design, code, market, and sell products online; who can operate smart machinery; and who can use digital platforms to grow their businesses,” he said.
Deputy Minister Mupamhanga said vocational training offers one of the most effective tools in combating drug abuse by giving young people purpose, dignity and economic independence.
He urged students to stay focused on their skills and future, trainers to remain vigilant and nurturing, and communities to stay involved in supporting young people.
He also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to prioritising enrolment for female trainees and persons with disabilities.
“We want to keep the girl child and young people with disabilities occupied in productive work that can lead to self-sustenance,” he said.
