Construction of the Sino ZAM Vocational College of Science and Technology in Luanshya District in the Copperbelt Province at a cost of over US$100 million has been completed.
The training facility which has been constructed by Luanshya Copper Mines is expected to be commissioned by President Hakainde Hichilema next week.
Speaking when officers from State House and Cabinet Office inspected the facility ahead of the commissioning, Luanshya District Commissioner Oncemore Ngonomo said the investor saw a lot of gaps in skills development to effectively run the mine.
ZANIS reports that Mr Ngonomo said that President Hichilema has been passionate about sending youths to acquire skills using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in readiness of investments that require specialised skills.
The District Commissioner noted that the construction of the trades school complements the government’s agenda of developing skills of Zambians.
Mr Ngonomo pointed out that the government has a desire to open up investments and this requires a workforce which is technologically advanced.
“With technology advancements, the country needs skilled manpower who will be capable of managing different investments that are already here and the ones to come’’, he said.
Mr Ngonomo was quick to explain that the trades school will not be strictly for miners working at Luanshya Copper Mines alone, but will accommodate all Zambians who will meet the minimum qualification to be admitted at the school for skills development.
“I must note that this school will be open to everyone who will meet the minimum qualifications. It will not just be for the miners who are working here No’’, he said.
Mr Ngonomo said once operational the school will be a big jump to skills development because those who will be trained at the college will have an opportunity to be attached to different companies in China for further skills development.
“Another good thing to note about this school is that those who will be trained here will be going to China to get further skills development. Isn’t this good for our country? He said.
The District Commissioner has since encouraged youths across the country to apply once advertised, so that they can obtain skills from the college and contribute to national development .
“Am now calling upon all the youths, those with good grade 12 results to prepare their papers and apply once advertised. I do not know why youths with good grades can opt to do lower jobs simply because they lack skills to improve themselves. Please let’s take advantage of this and get skills that will help develop the country,’’ said Mr Ngonomo.
