Technical colleges: Where skills meet opportunities

Located in Group Village Head Mackenzie in Traditional Authority Matola approximately 10 kilometres north of Balaka Town, Khwisa Community Technical College has excelled since it opened its doors in 2019, offering skills training to youth eager to transform their lives. One such youth is Stanton Asiki, 33, who plies his trade in Malawi’s capital city, Lilongwe, and is delighted with the progress he has made over the years. He has a steady income, owns the necessary equipment for his trade, and supports his wife who is currently pursuing a course in tailoring, fashion and design, among his achievements.

Despite having a Malawi School Certificate of Education, finding employment was challenging for the youthful Asiki. Starting a business venture was not an option either due to a lack of capital. However, when Asiki decided to enroll in a solar photovoltaic installation course at Khwisa Community Technical College in 2021, he did not realise how much it would positively impact his life.

“Now I am a qualified solar photovoltaic installation technician. In a good month I can earn K500 000 or more which is enough for me to earn a decent living”, Asiki, who hails from Chipwere Village in Traditional Authority (T/A) Msamala in Balaka District, says. “I have bought my own tools and I am also supporting my wife’s education in tailoring, fashion and design at Miracle Technical College in Karonga.” The population of Malawi is predominantly youthful, with 51 percent under 18 years of age, according to the 2018 Malawi Population and Housing Census.

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Despite their significant proportion, young people have not realized their full potential due to age-related challenges and barriers such as lack of experience, relevant education and skillsets. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) emphasises the importance of investing in technical and vocational education and training (Tvet) to equip young people with practical skills needed to thrive in an evolving labour market and improve their overall quality of life. With only eight public national technical colleges offering formal Technical, Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education and Training (Tevet) in Malawi, there is a significant gap in meeting the demand for quality Tevet.

For instance, National Pre-Apprentice Recruitment records in 2013 indicate that 11 215 candidates applied to go to these technical colleges but only 1 084 were selected. To address this gap, the government under the then leadership of President Arthur Peter Mutharika (2014-2019), prioritised the establishment of Community Technical Colleges (CTCs) in all districts and constituencies as a strategy to ensure equal access to quality Tevet in Malawi. A CTC provides educational facilities to youth and other members of the community.

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