Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
THE government is set to establish more vocational training centres (VTCs) and strengthen existing ones to address contemporary societal needs and close the country’s skills gap.
A total of 909 students graduated on Thursday from Mushagashe, Mhandamabwe, Gutu and Masvingo Vocational Training Centres in Masvingo Province.
Among them is Tungamirai Chiramba, who studied carpentry and received financial support from Empower Bank to start his own business.
“I was studying carpentry here at Mushagashe, and I acquired many skills, including developing foldable tables and chairs, and now that I have received funding from Empower Bank, I will be starting my workshop with the hope of employing and training others,” he said.
Mushagashe VTC runs several practical projects where students gain hands-on skills in agriculture, building, plumbing, carpentry and other trades.
Outstanding students received starter packs to support their new ventures.
“All the vegetables and agricultural produce you see here are our own work, guided by our lecturers. I am happy to have received a plough, and I will now be a full-time farmer in the Mapanzure area, working to support my family,” said graduate Taurai Muzvidziwa.
“As a woman, I am focused on plumbing, a field dominated by men. I am ready to succeed, especially after receiving a starter pack, and I look forward to employing others,” added another graduate, Ellen Musakwa.
Mushagashe, Mhandamabwe, Gutu and Masvingo VTCs have begun integrating new technologies into their training programmes.
“As vocational training centres, we want to be at the centre of fostering national change by serving as vital incubators for practical innovation and real-world solutions. We are committed to transforming lives by equipping individuals with relevant skills that are in high demand in the job market,” Mushagashe VTC Principal, Ms Ruth Kutsirayi Namaste said.
Guest of Honour, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Honourable Tino Machakaire, said the government remains committed to ensuring VTCs become industry-responsive in their teaching and training methods.
“By focusing on industry-specific training, VTCs effectively tackle unemployment by creating pathways for aspiring professionals to secure meaningful work. VTCs also encourage entrepreneurship by nurturing ideas and turning them into viable businesses. This has led to an industry-responsive teaching and learning model that meets current standards and anticipates future labour market needs,” he said.
Beyond skills development, the government is rolling out several youth empowerment programmes, including funding support for income-generating projects.
