APPRENTICESHIPS AND TRADE TESTS STRENGTHEN SKILLS BASE

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APPRENTICESHIPS AND TRADE TESTS STRENGTHEN SKILLS BASE
APPRENTICESHIPS AND TRADE TESTS STRENGTHEN SKILLS BASE

Africa-Press – Eswatini. Eswatini’s drive to build a skilled workforce received a major boost during the second quarter, with the Directorate of Industrial and Vocational Training (DIVT) reporting strong growth in apprenticeships, trade testing and localization efforts.

This is contained in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s Second Quarterly Performance Report, tabled in Parliament.

The report states: “A total of 317 apprentices and trainees were in training during the quarter under review in 50 companies, compared to 286 in 48 companies in the previous quarter.”

This included 56 new apprentices and 8 newly qualified artisans, all of whom were absorbed into industry. Forty in-company inspections were conducted to monitor training quality.

Trade testing saw 1 155 candidates assessed in key technical trades: 307 in Electrical Wireman Grade 3, 133 Plumbers, 121 Welders, 81 Motor Vehicle Mechanics, and dozens more across carpentry, fitting and other sectors.

The Ministry explained: “Trade testing continues to ensure that trainees meet national competency standards, making them job-ready and enhancing the country’s human resource capacity.”

On localization, the Training and Localization Committee reviewed 332 work-permit applications, granting or extending 108, deferring 174, and not recommending 42. The report noted:

“This ensures that scarce skills are utilised while building local capacity through understudies.”

The Ministry added that the implementation of the National Human Resources Development Policy (2024–2030) and the forthcoming National Skills Development Master Plan will “enhance coordination and alignment of skills development with national priorities.”

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