Zambia is accelerating efforts to equip young people and workers with practical, industry-ready skills through the development of the pilot National Apprenticeship Programme. The initiative is being advanced by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security through the Skills Advisory Committee Secretariat and is anchored under the Ministry of Technology and Science. It is supported by the European Union through the International Labour Organization’s Skills Development for Increased Employability Programme, which aims to strengthen the connection between technical education and real workplace experience in key economic sectors.
As part of preparations for the programme’s launch, representatives from the Skills Advisory Committee, the International Labour Organization, and the project team have conducted nationwide consultations with employers, technical and vocational education and training institutions, and master craft persons in the informal sector. These engagements are designed to ensure that the apprenticeship programme responds to industry needs while creating stronger collaboration between training providers and businesses.
The programme plans to place about 1,000 apprentices in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, energy, and mining, which are priorities under Zambia’s Eighth National Development Plan. Interest from employers and training institutions has been strong, reflecting a broad commitment to improving workforce skills, boosting productivity, and creating new employment opportunities. The initiative is also expected to support Zambia’s wider economic development objectives and efforts to improve livelihoods.
Across different provinces, organizations and businesses have expressed readiness to participate in the programme. Agricultural enterprises and training institutions are preparing to host apprentices to address longstanding skills gaps in farming and agribusiness. In the silk production industry, a major sericulture company has committed to training hundreds of workers to strengthen the value chain in this growing agricultural sector. Industrial employers, energy companies, and agro-processing businesses have also shown strong support, recognizing that structured apprenticeship training can transform informal workplace learning into professional skills development.
The programme also aims to expand opportunities for young people in sectors such as tourism by providing hands-on experience in hospitality and tourism operations. In addition, the initiative includes recognition of prior learning for master craft persons in the informal sector, allowing experienced workers to gain formal recognition for their skills and support the training of new apprentices.
As preparations continue, the government and the International Labour Organization are working to finalize apprenticeship placements and train workplace mentors to ensure high-quality training standards. With financial and technical support from the European Union, the programme aims to strengthen Zambia’s skills development system, improve job prospects for young people, and contribute to building a more productive and competitive workforce.
