Strengthening links with contractors remains a vital part of our agenda to support more trainees make the successful transition from learning, to earning.
Representatives from five construction companies took part in our second Employer Engagement workshop on 20 September 2023. We were delighted to also be joined by Chibombo District Commissioner Mr Lloyd Kayeka.
These sessions are designed to foster dialogue around skills training and advocacy work. Ongoing, two-way engagement helps ensure our training keeps pace with the needs and expectations of employers.
Course development
We were pleased to be able to share with partners details of our revised courses, following input from contractors and graduates. There was a general agreement at the previous workshop in June 2022, that broadening course content would enhance the employability of our graduates.
As a result, we have revised and expanded the curriculum of three of our entry-level courses. Brick & Blocklaying course is now Construction Trades Multi-skills, Rough Carpentry expanded to Rough Carpentry & Steel Fixing, and Tiling expanded to Tiling & Modular Paving.
Discussions around course development also reinforced the importance of life skills including communications, team work, personal conduct etc. Contractors emphasised the importance of these vital skills to help both trainees and graduates in the workplace.
Contractors suggested that developing IT, financial and project management skills would support graduates further up the employment ladder. Additional courses were put forward including general introduction to construction, electrical training, and training around green-friendly materials including plastic recycled blocks and Soil Stablished Blocks. A training course in joinery could be added, and would be an opportunity to construct schools desks under Constituency Development Funds.
Paid courses
Contractors showed genuine interest in supporting their employees through paid courses, at a reasonable price. Contractors were asked to identify skills shortages in their organisations that Build It might be able to assist them with.
Constituency Development Funds (CDF)
Chibombo DC Mr Kayeka highlighted exciting opportunities through the CDF. In the 2022 Zambia National Budget, CDF saw an unprecedented increase in the size of funding and scope of its mandate. This includes youth and women empowerment programmes, and bursary scheme for students across all levels of education.
The DC suggested that graduates could form cooperatives to access work opportunities, grants and loans through CDF.
The DC also suggested that Build It explores opportunities to get involved with the Development Committee. This sits under the Chibombo District, and is responsible for monitoring infrastructure projects and the development of the Integrated Development Plan for the district. There are opportunities to collaborate with partners with funds from the CDF.
Women in construction
Supporting more women through training and successfully into the work place remains a key topic of discussion. Social and cultural norms and stereotypes continue to pose challenges in increasing the participation of women in the construction sector. The group agreed that this requires long-term support to make positive changes.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the workshop. Only by working together can we implement the changes needed to support more young people into work.