Context
Zambia has a young population. Youth unemployment is high, affecting young women more than young men. Many junior staff do not have adequate training. Companies complain about difficulties in finding well-qualified workers.
Training programmes are rarely geared to the needs of the labour market and modern infrastructure. Graduates often lack the skills needed in the areas of water, sanitation, and solar energy to meet companies’ requirements. A lot of time and resources are then needed to give employees (further) training.
Objective
State-run vocational schools in Zambia increasingly offer labour market-oriented education and training in water and energy management in cooperation with companies.
Better trained specialists find good jobs and support a more effective supply of water and sanitation, as well as the spread of solar technologies.
Approach
- The project helps the Ministry of Technology and Science and the Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority to modernise vocational training in the water and energy sector, and to align it with the needs of the labour market. This also includes dual approaches and the recognition of previously acquired professional experience.
- In seven vocational schools, the project promotes training courses for young women and men in the water and energy sectors. This includes curriculum development, financial planning, the provision of modern equipment and practice-oriented training with companies and the craft sector.
- Cooperation formats promote the transition to the labour market and allow practical training in companies, work placements, action days and the joint design of training content.
- Young women are given targeted support and vocational schools are assisted in implementing gender action plans to ensure a safe learning environment free of discrimination.
Last update: September 2025