MPs want workshops in schools to enhance skills training

By OLIVER SAMBOKO PARLIAMENT has urged the executive arm of Government to immediately put up infrastructure such as workshops and provision of equipment to support the implementation of the skills and vocational training at public schools. And parliament has adopted the report of the Committee on Education, Science and Technology for the Fifth Session of the Twelfth National Assembly, laid on the Table of the House on March 26, 2021. Debating on the report, several members of parliament said skills education is key to attaining development and therefore the need for the implementation of skills training in schools. The MPs also recommended for more funding to the education sector to make it possible for implementation for skills training. And Ikeleng’I MP Elijah Muchima said if the skills training policy is not fully implemented, the education sector will still remain rallying behind.  He said there is need for the country to improve skills training because it was key to reducing unemployment levels for the youth. Mr Muchima cautioned against spending money and wasting time on politics but that instead such resources should be invested to improve the education sector. And chairperson of the parliamentary Committee on Education, Science and Technology, George Mwamba said there is need for government to address infrastructure inadequacy aimed at supporting the implementation of vocational education in the country. He also urged Government to quickly address the issue of trade test level two and three which are not included in the Zambia Qualification framework which he said was disadvantageous. During the sitting parliament also considered the Accountants (Amendment) Bill number 22 of 2021, and the Zambia Institute of Marketing (Amendment) Bill number 25 of 2021, which came for the second reading.