Story by Tafara Chikumira
THE Education 5.0 model is proving to be a game changer at Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) in the Midlands province, with some graduates setting up enterprises that are already employing youths in societies they operate.
During the third joint graduation ceremony for Midlands Provincial Vocational Training Centres, held on Thursday at Kaguvi Training Centre, several graduates shared how they are applying their skills in commercial ventures.
Ratchel Sibanda, 38, a beauty therapy graduate from Shurugwi, has launched a hair salon that employs multiple youths.
“I have always had a passion for beauty therapy. I am glad I eventually found a place where I could train towards my passion. Currently, I am running a small salon in Shurugwi. I have several employees to my name and I can safely witness Education 5.0 in action. I also happen to nurture some youngsters interested in beauty therapy courses, thereby helping them to do away with drug and substance abuse issues.”
Other graduates chipped in, saying they are using avenues at their disposal with a view to establish their own workspaces.
“My course required a lot of hands-on experience. I must say I managed to apply my course experience at the place I was placed for attachment and impressed them. Right now they have since employed me as I know the game of multi-tasking,” a graduate said.
“My area was agriculture. Right now my main objective is to leave a mark towards food sustainability and security in the country. I am using my knowledge to ensure we achieve maximum yield at a small piece of land,” another noted.
Government is equally impressed by the strides being made through the implementation of the Education 5.0 model at VTCs.
“As a nation, we are fast-moving towards Vision 2030. All that is needed is your skills to enhance the pace at which we are moving at. Our vocational centres are innovation engines which are producing employers. In pursuit of Vision 2030, skills development is a driver of economic revival,” the Deputy Minister of Youth, Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Honourable Kudakwashe Mupamhanga said.
“We are training to produce an entrepreneurial mindset. In so doing, we are geared to play our part for the nation to achieve Vision 2030. In all our vocational training centres, we have success stories in clothing and agriculture,” Mr Benson Mazani of Kaguvi Provincial Vocational Centre noted.
Over 600 graduates were presented with certificates after completing their vocational training across the province.
