The Development of Technical and Vocational Education in Zimbabwe

Most of the young people in Zimbabwe lack the skills and knowledge that they need to change their lives because of the economic situation in Zimbabwe. Through vocational training centres students are trained in different fields giving them skills to use whether they choose to start their own business or to seek employment. Developed in 1990, the rationalisation of vocational and technical education policy sets the framework for TVET in Zimbabwe. The manpower planning and development Act regulates the management, operation and maintenance of TVET institutions, universities, teachers colleges and vocational training schemes. The act promotes human resource development, including apprenticeships and certification for skilled workers, it also establishes a training levy. This paper seeks to identify the current issues in vocational training in Zimbabwe as well as the challenges that the country is facing in attempting to implement vocational training in its educational system. Finally the paper will also suggest possible solutions or ideas to the new government of Zimbabwean how to address the problems of vocational education and training.