Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, says government is working with cooperating partners to enhance the quality of service delivery in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions by training lecturers for improved outcomes.
Mr. Mutati said this during a panel discussion titled “ Raising the Bar: How do we create Excellence in every TVET system,” at the Eurexpo Lyon WorldSkills Competition in France.
He highlighted government’s collaboration with the private sector to develop a curriculum that responds to the evolving needs of the industry.
Mr. Mutati announced plans to introduce TVET degree programs, aimed at making vocational training more appealing to youths as the first option of study and setting high standards in the profession.
He called for mindset change among the youths, motivating them to pursue vocational training and skills development.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mutati said Zambia has recorded a remarkable 300% increase in enrolment in TVET institutions across the country due to the strong political will to foster an environment conducive to youth engagement in vocational training and skills development.
He said, following the implementation of the policy that addresses access to TVET institutions, the Government has increased funding to TVET institutions by 100% to meet the demands of the surge in enrollment and improve the quality of service delivery.
Mr. Mutati further expressed optimism about the WorldSkills Africa to be hosted by Zambia in April 2025.
He noted that WorldSkills Africa presents a unique opportunity to transform TVET systems across Africa and collaborate with other countries especially in the region on skills development and enhancing vocational education.
The WorldSkills Competition, running from September 10 to 15, 2024 has drawn participants from 89 Member States to showcase excellence in vocational skills and development .
This is contained in a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today by First Secretary Press , Zambia’s Embassy in France, Naomi Mweemba.
By Eva Hatontola
