Vocational training

Skilled workers for the construction sector in Zambia

Brief description of the project

The “YEEC” project aims to strengthen the economic participation of disadvantaged young people in the Zambian construction sector. To this end, a model for work-based learning (WBL) at entry level (Trade Test Level III) is being developed and piloted.

The project works closely with the national training authority (TEVETA), construction companies and other key stakeholders to align training with the needs of the labor market and national VET reforms. Key project activities include the development of curricula, training of construction companies, monitoring and evaluation as well as the dissemination of results to promote nationwide adoption of the model.

A key component of the Build It approach is the teaching of life skills. These include:

personal skills (e.g. self-confidence, respect for oneself and others)
Health-related knowledge (e.g. prevention of unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases and drug abuse)
Work-related skills (e.g. teamwork, time management, rights and obligations of employees)

These skills are increasingly recognized as being just as important as technical skills and are an integral part of the WBL module in the project.