The Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) in Tanzania has partnered with Buckreef Gold Company Limited to provide students with practical skills and workplace training opportunities in mining-related technology fields. This initiative aims to improve the students' prospects in the labour market. The partnership was established after a visit by VETA Northern Zone officials to Buckreef Gold Mine in Geita Region.
The partnership will provide students from VETA Moshi with opportunities for field attachment at the mine, enabling them to apply classroom knowledge in real production environments and strengthen their workplace skills. VETA Northern Zone Manager Monica Mbelle stated that the authority wants its students to gain workplace training to strengthen their skills in the world of work.
The rapidly changing technology in the mining sector presents an opportunity for VETA instructors to gain exposure to new technologies and upgrade their skills to ensure training remains relevant to labour market needs. The visit also revealed a large number of young people living around the mine, prompting discussions on developing vocational training programmes targeting them.
Potential training areas include plumbing, electrical installation, welding, food preparation, and catering, with the aim of enabling young people to secure employment or establish their own businesses. VETA identified an opportunity to develop programmes that can equip young people with different skills, as many were found living around the mine.
Buckreef Gold Company General Manager Isaac Disansaba stated that the company is ready to work with VETA to equip young people with skills relevant to mining operations. The cooperation will cover areas including underground mining, mineral processing plant operations, open-pit mining, and heavy-equipment maintenance.
The skills provided will not only benefit young people seeking employment in mining but can also be applied in other sectors requiring technical, mechanical, and technological expertise. The company has started identifying young people from surrounding communities, including Form Four leavers, who could benefit from vocational training.
The partnership seeks to strengthen the link between vocational training and the practical skills demanded by the mining industry while expanding opportunities for young people to acquire marketable skills. The company plans to support selected youth to join VETA, contribute towards their training costs, and provide practical training opportunities at the mine in communities such as Kanyala, Busalala, and Lwamgasa.
Key points
- VETA and Buckreef Gold partner to provide practical skills and training for students in mining technology fields.
- The partnership aims to improve students' prospects in the labour market and provide young people with marketable skills.
- The programme will cover areas including underground mining, mineral processing plant operations, and heavy-equipment maintenance.
