Higher learning institutions get equipment

GOVERNMENT has noted with deep concern the obsolete equipment being used for training in TEVET learning institutions.

Higher Education Minister, Brian Mushimba, said that Government would ensure that TEVET training was advanced and productive.

He said this at the commissioning of training equipment for TEVET institutions, which was procured at a cost of $10 million.

The equipment was for mechanical and metal fabrication, automotive and heavy equipment repair, agricultural mechanics, electrical engineering, bricklayingand plastering, design, cutting and tailoring or fabric technology and food production.

Dr Mushimba said the commissioning of equipment for TEVET institutions marked a milestone in availing modern training equipment.

The modernization of TEVET would enable institutions of higher learning meet modern industrial demands.

He explained that the procurement of the equipment had been made possible through the skills development fund (SDF) window two as provided in the framework.

“I wish to state that most of the equipment has already been delivered to 27 TEVET institutions that are located in all of the 10 provinces.

Dr Mushimba said that the SDF was established through the skills development levy Act no. 46 of 2016 but only came into effect the following year to provide financial resources for skills development in Zambia.

He stated that the fund is meant to help mitigate the challenges facing the TEVET sector in developing skills.