Minister orders delivery of machinery to technical colleges

Minister of Labour, Skills and Innovation Joel Chigona has ordered the distribution of machinery and equipment to technical colleges to strengthen practical training and skills development. The minister made the remarks on Thursday during the inspection of equipment distribution at the Trade Testing Centre in Lilongwe, an initiative which is part of government’s ongoing efforts to enhance technical and vocational education. “We want to see these resources to reach institutions promptly so that students can acquire the practical skills required by industry,” said Chigona.

In an interview, Mzuzu Technical College deputy principal Lawrence Chipale said the development is a major boost to skills training. He said: “There has been a huge gap in terms of having the necessary machinery to train fully skilled and relevant artisans. “The machines we have collected today are a big plus and will greatly help in giving students market-relevant and hands-on skills.” Chipale said technical colleges prioritise practical training, adding that the equipment will strengthen their ability to produce graduates who are ready for the labour market and industry demands.

“At technical colleges, we focus on hands-on skills and these machines are adding value to what we already do, enabling us to produce students who are industry ready,” he said. The ministry has indicated that part of the equipment will be distributed to community technical colleges nearing completion as part of efforts to expand access to skills development nationwide. The equipment being distributed includes transformers, engines, drilling machines, plumbing equipment, compressors, heavy-duty juice-making machines, sewing machines, profile cutting machines, and toolboxes to support hands-on learning.