Technology and Science Minister Hon. Felix Mutati has disclosed that his Ministry is spending K150 million to upgrade trades schools and equip them this year.
Mr. Mutati says K80 million is being spent to upgrade trade schools countrywide to modern standards while K70 million is being spent to buy new equipment.
Speaking at the Copperbelt Agricultural Mining Industrial Networking Enterprise (CAMINEX) Breakfast hosted by ZANACO this morning in Kitwe, Mr. Mutati said government is spending all that money to ensure youths attain the best skills while in school.
Mr. Mutati said the upgrading of the trade schools is aimed at ensuring that students get the right skills needed in the industry once they graduate.
He also revealed that government has advanced in preparing to host the World Skills Africa Competition to be hosted in Livingstone in April 2025.
Mr. Mutati urged the mining industry to give an opportunity to youths in Zambia to sharpen their skills ahead of the competition where Zambian youths will compete in 21 skills.
He said Zambia won the rights to host the event after a competitive process with other African countries.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mutati has disclosed that Kagem Mine has committed $2.5 million for the construction of the Chapula Vocational Training Center in Lufwanyama District whose groundbreaking ceremony will be held next month.
Mr. Mutati says the training center will provide youths on the Copperbelt with a chance to attain various skills.