Regulation of technical and vocational education in Zambia

The primary purpose of any technical education and vocational training system is to develop sufficient people with the right skills to meet labour market demands. All technical education and vocational systems face the challenge of matching the skills, knowledge and attitudes of the students in the system to the needs of the labour market. The skill base of the workforce in Zambia is critical in setting the foundations for micro and macro economic resurgence and consequently in making sure the nation competes internationally. As with industry, quality is seen as critical and quality assurance is being demanded in skilling the workforce. This paper describes the reforms of Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training (TEVET) in Zambia and how quality can be assured in every aspect of the training process. In addition it emphasises the need for a continuous management commitment for the successful implementation of quality assurance in TEVET to ensure that labour market needs are met. The pursuit of quality training aims at developing the full potential of students/trainees in all aspects so as to prepare them for the challenges in life. Through quality training, students are better equipped with the knowledge and skills for making contribution to and participation in the complex and rapidly changing society. The attainment of this goal calls for the joint efforts of training providers, industry and regulatory authority. To achieve this, necessary regulatory instruments are required. The quality assurance framework for training aims to achieve the due balance between providing support to training institutions through institutional improvement and exerting pressure through accountability.

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