01 Mar 2020

A total of 1 073 brigade, technical college as well as Madirelo Training and Testing Centre students were on February 27 awarded different certificates at a combined graduation ceremony held in Gaborone.

Officiating at the graduation ceremony, Minister of Employment, Labour Productivity and Skills Development Mr Mpho Balopi described the graduands as important tools needed to diversify the economy.

Tools, he explained, referred not only to qualifications, but also to the technical skills and knowledge they had acquired.

Mr Balopi said Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) would play a major role in making graduates more responsive to economic growth in line with the 4th Industrial Revolution.

The minister implored graduands to change their mindset towards the job and industry world and to put into practice the innovative and creative skills they had acquired to create jobs for themselves.

“Since you acquired practical skills there is nothing that can obstruct you from excelling in life.

Botswana needs men and women of your caliber in the manufacturing industry and you are the right people to enhance this very lucrative business,” he said.

He urged them to utilise government programmes, noting that the state had put in place schemes for assisting any astute self-starter.

Mr Balopi described as relevant the graduation theme; Skills Development, a Pathway to a Diverse and Knowledge-based Economy - My Hands My Future, because skills development was globally recognised as a critical pathway to youth empowerment and economic growth.

He also advised the graduands not to expect smooth sailing in life, adding that disappointments, mistakes and even failures came with the package of growth and success.

“You are going to face challenges in looking for employment, starting up your business, acquiring financial assistance and furthering your studies.

Therefore be prepared, stay focused and committed, never quit because in TVET quitting is not an answer. The answer is my hands, my future,” said Mr Balopi.

To make the theme a reality, he said, there was need to inculcate a ‘through my hands and mind I can do it’ spirit.  He urged the graduands to put their talents and skills into serving the country and uplifting livelihoods. For his part, the ministry deputy permanent secretary Mr Jacob Momene confirmed that the 1 073 graduands would be conferred with certificates from 22 accredited programmes.

The programmes included Architectural Draughting, Auto Electrical, Auto Mechanics, Borehole Mechanics, Bricklaying and Plastering, Cabinet Making, Carpentry and Joinery, Chef, Dressmaking, Electrical Installation and Maintenance, Heavy Plant Mechanics, Maintenance Fitting, Painting and Decor, Panel Beating, Plumbing, Refrigeration, Welding, Computer Studies, Accounting, Secretarial and Business Studies. ENDS