We are delighted to announce that Build It graduate Dalitso Zulu earned first place in the Tiling competition at the WorldSkills Zambia National Selection Competition (15 – 18 July 2024).

This achievement is a fantastic recognition of Dalitso’s skills and dedication. Dalitso enrolled onto Build It’s entry-level Tiling course in 2021. He embraced every learning opportunity with unwavering determination.

Dalitso’s hard work has culminated in this prestigious national accolade, and he will go forward to represent Zambia at the WorldSkills Africa 2025 competition.

Dalitso said:

Going into the competition, I felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness! My belief in my abilities was a crucial factor that helped me stay motivated and confident throughout the competition.

Winning the competition is not just about the recognition; it was also a testament to the countless hours of practice and the challenges I had overcome. It felt like a significant milestone in my journey, and I was grateful for the opportunity to prove myself.

I am currently working for myself as an entrepreneur. It brings its own set of challenges, but the sense of ownership and the ability to directly impact my success is incredibly rewarding.”

Dalitso’s journey has not been an easy one, leaving school at Grade 11 after the death of his stepfather. Dalitso did piece works in construction to support his family. Despite a desire to pursue formal training in construction, finding an affordable option without having completed secondary education was difficult until Dalitso found Build It.

Patrick Mwamba, Build It’s Head of Training into Work said:

We are incredibly proud of Dalitso and all our graduates who show real grit and determination in seizing the opportunity to learn new skills.

“Young people need the right skills to succeed in the job market. Dalitso’s success in the competition reflects the quality of our training programme. Skills development can transform lives, communities and economies, giving young people the opportunity to work and thrive.

Join us in congratulating Dalitso and wishing him the best as he prepares for the competition next year.