Vusumuzi Dube
Judith Phiri,Business Reporter
THE Zimbabwe School of Mines (ZSM) has introduced new programmes and courses as the institution expands its skills training programmes in line with the National Development Strategy (NDS1) ideals.
This is part of the institution’s drive to focus on embracing new technologies and enhancing student competencies to meet national economic needs.
In an interview, ZSM principal Mr Edwin Gwaze said the new programmes and courses were being developed focusing on value addition and beneficiation.
“The world has moved into the fourth revolution, which is characterised by innovation and high-end or cutting-edge industrial advancement.
Zimbabwe is no exception as the country has adopted a new education curriculum (Education 5.0) which has a slant towards modern technological trends.
“The introduction of new courses allows us to offer our students the latest knowledge and skills that are relevant to the needs of the industry.
This ensures that our graduates are well-equipped to meet the demands of the job market and contribute to the growth and development of the mining sector,” said Mr Gwaze.
Among the programmes and courses introduced this year are Diploma in Gemmology for the May intake, while August intake includes Certificate in Gemstone Cutting and Polishing (one year), Diploma in Foundry Technology and Diploma in Iron and Steel Making.
For January 2024 intake, ZSM has introduced Diploma in Jewelry Design and Manufacturing and Diploma in Mine Occupational Health, Safety and Environment.
Mr Gwaze said the new mining courses could help address skills gaps in the industry and by identifying areas where there is a shortage of skilled workers, they were introducing courses that provide students with the specific skills and knowledge needed to fill these gaps.
“This not only benefits our students by enhancing their employability but also benefits the industry by addressing critical skills shortages.
The introduction of new mining courses can help to diversify our curriculum and attract a wider range of students.
By offering a broader range of courses, we can appeal to students with different interests and backgrounds and provide them with the opportunity to pursue careers in different areas of the mining industry.”
He said ZSM was also developing short courses to address the skills gap in the mining industry and provide specialised training to workers.
Mr Gwaze said as they keep up with the latest technological advancements and best practices in the mining industry, their new short courses provide opportunities for career advancement and professional development for workers in the mining industry.
The courses developed in 2023 include GIS and Remote Sensing, Mining Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the Business of Small Scale Mining, Mine Sampling Techniques, Diamond Sorting and Grading and Lithium Processing Principles.
He said the school was carrying out stakeholder consultations for the development of the following new courses, namely Higher Diploma in Oil and Gas Engineering, Diploma in Mine Occupational Health and Safety, Diploma in Exploration Techniques, GIS and GPS in mining short course and Samplers course.
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