First Quantum Minerals has injected an initial KR9 million into the multi-million kwacha programme that will see the first 180 students trained in various artisan disciplines at Solwezi Trades Training Institute.
FQM Country General Manager Kingsley Chinkuli announced this today saying the KR9 million is for the apprenticeship to boost growth of youth entrepreneurship and jobs in Solwezi and across the country.
According to a statement made available to ZANIS in Solwezi, Gen Chinkuli was speaking in Lusaka on the eve of Youth Day Celebrations, whose theme is “Opportunity for the youth through Enterprise.
He appealed to the youths to take advantage of the apprenticeship, which he said is a pragmatic intervention to harness job creation and entrepreneurship among youths in the country.
Gen Chinkuli said the apprenticeship programme will equip youths with artisan skills such as welding, metal fabrication, electrical and other disciplines relevant for Zambia’s growing economy.
He is optimistic that the skills will give the youth opportunities to get employed and create their own businesses.
“The apprenticeship model has proved successful in creating new generation skills and jobs in fast growing economies such as Zambia’s. Therefore, the apprenticeship programme will not only address the much needed technological capacity, but also broaden Zambia’s capacity to create jobs,” Gen Chinkuli said.
Zambia’s economy has been growing at a rate of more than 5 percent annually in the last five years. A significant portion of the growth has been driven by the resurgent fortunes of the mining industry coupled by attractive prices.
General Chinkuli stressed that increased productivity in the mining sector and other diversified industries requires more technical skills.
He noted that these skills are critical to the success of Zambia, and the skills are not readily available, making this intervention a significant and sustained investment in corporate social responsibility by FQM.
He explained that the positive ripple effect on Zambia’s social-economy in the near and long-term future is significant, sustainable and ignites hope for the youth.
Gen Chinkuli said therefore the surrounding communities in Solwezi, other areas in North Western Province and the rest of Zambia will benefit from the offshoots of the KR9 million investment in youth skills development that FQM has made at Solwezi trades institute.
He noted that apart from people getting employed, the investment has a multiplier-effect of money being pumped into the economy as a result of incomes earned.
Source: ZANIS
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