DAR ES SALAAM: THE Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) is celebrating its 30th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in Tanzania’s ongoing efforts to expand access to vocational education across the country.
Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Adolf Mkenda, made the announcement on Wednesday in Dar es Salaam, saying that the celebrations coincide with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive to complete regional-level VETA colleges in areas lacking them and establish district-level colleges in underserved regions.
Prof Mkenda revealed that construction is already underway for a regional VETA college in Songwe, and 64 district-level colleges are in development.
“These celebrations are happening at a time when the President is committed to ensuring that vocational training reaches all Tanzanian youth who need it,” he said.
In addition to expanding infrastructure, Prof Mkenda noted that VETA is strengthening its partnerships with industries and producers requiring technical expertise.
He further said that within the next three months, VETA will present a framework for collaboration, creating opportunities for students to gain practical experience, while industries benefit from a skilled workforce.
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“The process will involve formalising expertise from various industries and production sectors,” he said.
Minister Mkenda also noted the innovative potential of many young people and artisans in creating diverse products.
“VETA’s role will be to establish a transparent, competitive system to identify these youth and artisans, enabling them to collaborate with VETA. This will allow VETA students to learn from these talented individuals, whose skills may not necessarily align with formal classroom certifications,” he said.
The pinnacle of the 30th anniversary celebrations will run from March 18th to 21st at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam, with Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa expected to grace the event.
Prof Mkenda added that in the lead-up to the main event, various activities will take place, including community service projects related to vocational skills, such as painting public buildings like hospitals and clinics, and renovating school facilities.
He said, there will be technology innovation exhibitions, skills competitions, and the awarding of honours and certificates of recognition to individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of vocational training in the country.
VETA’s 30th anniversary is also significant in the context of the broader history of vocational training in Tanzania.
Prior to the establishment of VETA, vocational training in the country was managed by the National Vocational Training Department (NVTD), which operated under the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare.
Established in 1975, this year also marks the 50th anniversary of the national and institutional framework for managing vocational training in Tanzania.
