By Savious Madanhire
Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) have been a game-changer for many young people, providing them with the skills and training needed to succeed in various industries.
They act as the government’s conduits for rural industrialization and economic development, to empower the youth and drive economic growth.
In the Midlands, seven VTCs are making a significant impact, transforming the lives of young people and equipping them with the skills needed to succeed.
The seven VTCs include Kaguvi VTC, Gweru Urban VTC, Shurungwi VTC, Mvuma VTC, Zvishavane VTC, Gokwe VTC and Nyamuroro VTC, with Mataga VTC and Insukamini VTC under construction.
However, in the Kwekwe district, a site was found but no establishment has been done yet.
They offer a range of courses, including engineering, construction, catering, fashion and more, providing opportunities for young people to acquire skills and become entrepreneurs.
This initiative has also been beneficial for those who may not have excelled academically, as it provides an alternative path to success as a second chance of their lives.
In an exclusive interview, Principal Henry Hlagaba of Kaguvi VTC highlighted the impact of VTCs on the lives of youths in the Midlands.
“VTCs have helped youths transform their lives and create a better future. Many have gone on to open their own companies in construction and engineering, while others have become successful entrepreneurs in various fields,” he said.
“We have seen many of our graduates go on to achieve great things. They have started their businesses creating employment and they are also self-employed, secured employment in their chosen fields, and even gone on to pursue further education and training.”
Principal Hlagaba said. “We have over 6 former students at Village Lounge, Chicken Inn, and Eat n Lick but in terms of construction, we have the highest population of our students under carpentry, building and plumbing, with many students running their projects.
Furthermore, in Gweru 60% of the youths doing mechanics are our former students.”
Principal Hlagaba attributed the success of VTCs to their focus on practical skills training.
“Our courses are 80% practical hence we believe that hands-on training is essential for preparing young people for the workforce. Our courses are designed to equip students with the practical skills they need to succeed in their chosen fields hence their employment rate is high,” he said.
One of the most significant benefits of the VTCs is their role in helping young people overcome drug abuse and focus on their education.
By providing a supportive and structured environment, the VTCs are empowering young people to take control of their lives and build a brighter future.
However, the impact of the VTCs has already been felt, with the increasing number of graduates year after year.
Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon Owen Ncube, once said during the Kaguvi VTC graduation, “Allow me to underscore my profound appreciation towards implementation of the Second Republic’s Education 5.0 framework by our
Vocational Training Centres as they have expanded the scope of their curriculum to encompass the production of goods and services, research, technology and innovation.”
As the Midlands province continues to play a vital role in achieving this vision, the VTCs remain at the forefront of efforts to empower the youth and drive economic growth.
By providing young people with the skills and training they need to succeed, these centers are helping to build a brighter future for Zimbabwe’s youth.
