According to research conducted by Eden University […]

According to research conducted by Eden University in 2020, the country is experiencing a severe shortage of skills in high-demand areas like tillers, shop fitters, air conditioning technicians, plasterers, plumbers, electricians, and steel fixers.

 The skill gap has raised serious concerns amongst stakeholders, including the Carpentry and Bricklayers Association (CBA). Speaking in an interview with the Zambian Business Times, CBA Chief Administrator Samson Mwale observed that the booming construction sector has outnumbered the quality and quantity of skills on the market.

 “There is a huge gap between the skills set that we have at the moment and what the industry needs, it’s like a 10 year gap.”

 He revealed that in an effort to reduce casualization and promote skills certification, the association has embarked on a feasibility study with its cooperating partners. “We are trying our best to see how best we can bridge the gap in terms of skill set and what the industry currently needs; we are rolling out the program mid-August,” he added.

 Despite the efforts of the government in reducing the gaps through the rolling out of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) skills initiative, Mwale castigated the system, observing that not many people are benefiting. He also observed that the bursaries rewarded under the Ministry of Technology are also not benefiting many people who are in need across the country.

“The skills under CDF are not enough because we feel there are a few people that are benefiting and we still have a huge chunk of people that are in serious need of empowerment; many are not stepping into it, and the government must increase sensitization.”

Article by Samuel Mutale