Vocational skills development key for Vision 2030 targets

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected] 

THE Government is committing significant resources to enhance vocational skills development and drive the country’s transformation towards Vision 2030. 

Youth Empowerment, Development, and Vocational Training Minister, Tino Machakaire, yesterday presided over the joint graduation ceremony for Bulawayo and Matabeleland North Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) last week. 

The event celebrated the graduation of 2 756 students who received training in a wide range of courses, including basketry, agriculture, carpentry, electronics, welding, cosmetology, catering, solar installation, and clothing.

Minister Machakaire congratulated the graduates for their hard work and encouraged them to apply their newly acquired skills to expand business opportunities and contribute to the growth of Zimbabwe’s economy. 

He emphasised that the country’s ability to create more jobs and improve production depends on how effectively the graduates can apply their knowledge and expertise.

The event was a significant milestone in the Government’s efforts to bridge the skills gap and promote vocational education in Zimbabwe. 

He said with more resources and support, the country can develop a skilled workforce to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic growth.

“It’s important to realise that even though you now possess qualifications, it is not the qualifications alone that will lead to success, but your attitude and emotional intelligence, which are critical factors for sustainable success,” he said. 

“You need to have unwavering faith in your dream that is having hope against all hope.”

Minister Machakaire said VTCs act as the Government’s conduits for industrialisation and economic development hence the growing embracing of digital technology and climate-smart skills development across the spectrum.

“The ministry is currently going through a process to implement the Strategic Framework for the Transformation of the Vocational Training System. 

“The strategy entails improving infrastructure, retooling, staff capacity development, curriculum review and productivity for more effective training,” he said. 

“Development partners and the private sector are key to developing skills of our young people.”

Collaboration between educational institutions and industries can ensure that training programmes are relevant and effective, thus, providing practical experience through partnerships enhances the effectiveness of vocational training, said Minister Machakaire.

He hailed the inclusiveness of VTCs, which has seen an increase in the number of young people with disabilities enrolled in institutions throughout the country. Bulawayo is leading in the enrolment of people with disabilities.

“Vocational training provides a pathway out of this cycle by enabling individuals to earn a living and achieve financial stability,” said Minister Machakaire.

“In addition to its economic benefits, inclusive vocational training fosters a sense of dignity and self-worth, and by participating in training programmes at VTCs, these individuals often overcome societal stereotypes that depict them as dependent or incapable.

“In addition to the physical infrastructure already at Jairos Jiri, measures should be put in place to equip the centre with elements that create an environment where individuals with disabilities can comfortably participate in training without unnecessary strain or discomfort.”

In her welcome remarks read by deputy director, Ms Beaullar Gwaze, Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Judith Ncube, expressed the Government’s appreciation of the increasing number of youths acquiring skills that have the potential to change their lives and those of their communities.

“Skill is more powerful than strength, it is indeed true that skill is more powerful than strength. Having strength without skill may lead one to be defeated,” she said.

Minister Ncube said before they even begin searching for employment, the graduates are already their own employers, adding that it was her hope that they had already started something at home and encouraged them to make use of social media platforms to advertise their businesses.

“I urge all the graduates to be exemplary within the communities they live in and demonstrate that skills training can be an effective tool to occupy and shape the future of young people,” said Minister Ncube.