By John Chola
Over 500 students are currently graduating from the Kalumbila Technical and Vocational Training Center, marking a significant milestone in the mining district’s pursuit of equipping local citizens with critical industry-relevant skills.
The training center, supported by FQM Trident Limited, has been addressing the community’s need for skilled labour as identified in 2015.
Speaking at the event, Ministry of Science and Technology Director Precious Lisulo, who represented Minister Felix Mutati, applauded FQM for playing a pivotal role in answering the government’s call for prioritizing skills development.
Lisulo emphasized that this initiative aligns with President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration’s goal of fostering economic growth through quality skills training.
“The government’s vision for meaningful development hinges on equipping our citizens with the relevant skills. FQM’s partnership with Kalumbila Technical and Vocational Training Center is a testament to what can be achieved when the private sector steps in to support local development,” Lisulo stated.
The training center has been providing local citizens with various life skills needed in the mining sector and beyond.
This initiative aims to enhance access to quality training and build a skilled workforce, crucial for Zambia’s economic development.
FQM Trident Limited General Manager, Scott Whitehead, represented by Community Relations Manager Joseph Ngwira, expressed the mining giant’s pride in the successful graduation of 11 intakes so far.
Notably, the graduates have been trained in a range of skills, including the highly sought-after Articulated Dump Truck (ADT) operation.
“This milestone is a celebration of our commitment to empowering the community. We are thrilled to witness the success of this partnership with the Luanshya Technical and Business College Management Board and Kalumbila Training Center,” Whitehead said.
He further praised the collaboration between the two institutions, which delivered excellent results, as demonstrated by the center’s first-ever graduation ceremony.
The ceremony reflects FQM’s ongoing support for community development and the mining industry’s growing demand for specialized skills.
As the graduates move forward, Whitehead said, they are expected to contribute significantly to the local economy and beyond.
