Zambia Expands National Apprenticeship Programme to Strengthen Youth Skills and Employment

Zambia is advancing efforts to equip young people and workers with practical, industry-ready skills as preparations accelerate for the launch of the pilot National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP).

The initiative is being coordinated by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security through the Skills Advisory Committee Secretariat, under the broader framework of the Ministry of Technology and Science. It is supported by the European Union through the International Labour Organization's Skills Development for Increased Employability Programme (SDEP).

The programme aims to connect technical and vocational training with real workplace experience, helping address skills gaps while strengthening productivity across key sectors of the economy.

Linking Training to Real Industry Needs

As part of preparations for the pilot rollout, officials from the Skills Advisory Committee, together with ILO representatives and project teams, have conducted nationwide visits to engage employers, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, and informal-sector master craft persons.

The pilot programme aims to place 1,000 apprentices across four priority sectors identified in Zambia's Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP):

• Agriculture

• Tourism

• Energy

• Mining

The initiative seeks to ensure that training programs are closely aligned with labour market demands, enabling young people to gain hands-on experience alongside classroom learning.

Strong Support from Employers and Training Institutions

Interest from employers and training institutions across Zambia has been strong, reflecting growing national commitment to workforce development.

In Central Province, Serenje District Agricultural Coordinator Katumwa Mutande said that 43 commercial farmers, including the Farmers Training Centre, are ready to host apprentices.

"This programme arrives at the right time. Farmers have long faced skills gaps, especially in agriculture," Mutande said.

At Nkumbi International College, Principal Josephine Chibwe highlighted the institution's strategic position in a major farming area, noting that local agribusinesses already employ many of its graduates.

Expanding Opportunities in Agriculture and Industry

In Muchinga Province, Mupika Sericulture Company, a leading player in Zambia's silk production industry, announced plans to train 450 workers on its 470-hectare mulberry estate.

Finance Manager Pride Soko said the training initiative will strengthen the entire silk value chain and create new opportunities in this growing agricultural sector.

Meanwhile, Kasama Sugar, an agro-processing company in Northern Province, confirmed plans to train 600 workers through the programme.

Managing Director Avarian Vedad said the initiative would formalize on-the-job learning into structured training that supports long-term career development.

Supporting Skills Development in the Energy Sector

In the energy sector, ZESCO's Lunzua Hydro Power Station in Mpulungu also expressed support for the programme.

Station Manager Steward Mumba said the apprenticeship scheme would help workers develop practical skills needed to address operational challenges.

"This programme equips staff with skills that matter—skills that solve real problems and strengthen the company from the ground up," Mumba said.

Tourism Sector Opens Opportunities for Youth

The Tanganyika and Abercorn Tourism Association (TATA) has also committed to mobilizing tourism businesses to host apprentices in Mbala, Mpulungu, and surrounding areas.

Vice Chairperson Susan Chelemu said the programme will provide young people with hands-on experience in lodges, hotels, and tourism operations, helping prepare them for careers in the growing tourism industry.

Reaching the Informal Sector

The programme also seeks to include workers in the informal economy, which represents a significant share of Zambia's workforce.

In Luapula Province, Permanent Secretary Prudence Chinama Kangwa welcomed the programme's focus on youth and its inclusion of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

This approach allows master craft persons and informal learners to gain formal recognition for their existing skills and experience.

Building Long-Term Skills Capacity

ILO SDEP Chief Technical Advisor Todini Marecha said the apprenticeship programme is designed to create sustainable capacity within Zambia's training system.

"NAP is designed to build lasting capacity. By training trainers across the country, we ensure every host enterprise can deliver high-quality, industry-relevant skills," Marecha said.

Next Steps for Programme Launch

As the rollout approaches, the government and the ILO are working to finalize apprentice placements and train workplace mentors who will supervise participants during their training.

With support from the European Union, the programme aims to strengthen Zambia's labour market by improving productivity, expanding job opportunities, and building a more competitive workforce.