Govt signs 22 apprenticeship contracts with employers in mining sector, others worth K70 million

The Technical, Educational and Enterprenuership Vocation Training (TEVET) agency has signed employer-based training and apprenticeship contracts with 22 employers worth K70million.

Technology and Science Minister, Felix Mutati, claimed that the contracts which had been signed under the TEVET Fund would see over 4,300 employees benefit from the training financing package.

Mutati said this in a statement read on his behalf by the Ministry Permanent Secretary, Dr Briliant Habeenzu, in Lusaka on Friday during the signing ceremony with the firms.

He stated that most of the beneficiary employees were from the mining sector and 100 of the beneficiaries would be apprentices at Lumwana Mines in Kalumbila District.

“The apprenticeship contract by Lumwana Mines shows commitment from both the public and private sectors to collaborate in nurturing talent and driving sustainable development,” the minister said.

Mutati added that the apprenticeships partnership would enable apprentices to gain hands-on experience, mentorship and exposure to industry’s needs and real world mining operations for successful careers.

He stated that the work-based training efforts are vital to productivity driven by relevant skills, problem solving abilities and smooth transition for youths in the world of work.

“Collaboration established through these work-based training pathways provides TEVETA opportunities to align sector curriculum with industry standards and advancement to ensure students recieve relevant and up to date training,” the minister noted.

Earlier, Chamber of Mines president, Toddy Chilembo, stated that the mining sector remained key to economic development.

Chilembo said investing in relevant skills in the sector was therefore very strategic for increased copper production and exploring critical minerals.

“The growing prominence of critical minerals calls for TEVETA to constantly engage the industry and reshape our national skills set for economic competitiveness and resilience,” he stated.

TEVETA Director General, Cleophas Takaiza, said investing proceeds from the Skills Development Levy in priority economic sectors was among the goals of the institution.

Takaiza stated that this was to ensure availability of relevant skills, increased productivity and economic competitiveness of sector players.

“The Skills Development Levy remains a critical ingredient in addressing Technical, Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training skills gap, mismatch and harnessing partnerships in skills development.

The 22 firms who have signed the contracts included Kagem Mining, Lumwana Mines, among others.

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