23 May 2022

Francistown College of Technical and Vocational Education and Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will address rising industry and employer concerns about skills gaps observed among graduates. 

Speaking at the event themed: Bridging the Gap Between the Industry and Learning Institutions, Assistant Minister of Education and Skills Development, Mr Aubrey Lesaso said to close the gaps required encouraging and supporting institutions to forge partnerships with industry.

That, he said,  would make the task of skills training easier and less expensive. 

He thanked the college and BPC for a partnership that could potentially ease skills formation and allow for timely reaction to a rapidly changing global knowledge economy and technological innovation. 

Mr Lesaso congratulated the trainees, the first cohort of Lineman Training, and encouraged them to put the skills gained to good use. 

BPC learning and development manager, Mr Bakani Nlebgwa said the strategic collaboration was for knowledge and skills enhancement for both parties as well as aligning the college’s teaching and learning activities to the needs of the energy industry. 

He explained that the partnership entailed curriculum development and implementation, human resource exchange, shared infrastructure and research partnership. 

“There will be joint arrangements on training of the corporation’s employees at FCTVE and pursuing collaborative research on areas of similar interest,” said Mr Nlebgwa. 

He said Lineman Training would assist in training both BPC employees and students in construction of transmission and distribution lines according to BPC and international standards. 

The college’s principal, Mr Asalepele Tobedza said the arrangement would ensure provision of relevant skills and competencies to learners. 

He urged the private sector to consider partnering with  the institution as it had appropriate infrastructure including workshops, laboratories, hair and beauty salons, training restaurant and design and sewing studios. 

“Our mandate as FCTVE is to equip graduates with requisite skills for a knowledge-based economy through innovative programmes that inspire entrepreneurship for local and global market,” he stated. 

Mr Tobedza described the MoU as a milestone towards the institution’s dream of becoming a college of excellence known for market-driven education both locally and internationally. Ends