The Association of Tanzania Employers (ATE) has reported significant progress in narrowing the skills gap among youth in the competitive job market over the past three years.

Speaking at a conference in Dar es Salaam last week, ATE Chief Executive Officer Suzanne Ndomba-Doran (pictured) highlighted the success of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) project, launched in 2021 to equip youth with skills for both employment and self-employment.

Addressing the conference theme, “Social Dialogue and Decent Jobs for Young Tanzanians,” Ndomba-Doran noted that while TVET equips youth with the skills needed for decent employment and contributes to economic growth, Tanzania’s technical and vocational training system faces challenges in adapting to the evolving labor market needs.

“The project covered Dar es Salaam and Morogoro, training 1,098 youth in fields such as fitter mechanics, electrical installations, food production, and refrigeration,” she said.

The project was implemented in collaboration with institutions like Don Bosco Oysrebay VTC, VETA Dar es Salaam (Changómbe), Kihonda VTC, Mikumi VTC, and Mzinga VTC. ATE also signed 12 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Confederation of Tanzania Industries (CTI), VETA, Don Bosco VTC, and Mzinga VTC to promote skills development.

Among the key achievements were the creation of guidelines for TVET graduates and interns, along with training for 34 teachers to enhance curriculum delivery. Additionally, 50 TVET trainers were capacitated in occupational health and safety, ensuring they can teach students about market needs related to workplace safety.

“We’ve trained over 350 students in Dar es Salaam and Morogoro, preparing them for employment,” Ndomba-Doran added.

Despite the successes, Ndomba-Doran acknowledged the need for more funding to improve TVET institutions across the country, emphasizing the importance of formal contracts for industrial attachments to ensure student safety and well-being.

The project received support from the Danish Industry (DI), the Trade Union Congress of Tanzania (TUCTA), and development partners, including companies such as Bakhresa Group, MeTL Group Limited, Chemi Cotex Industries, Coca-Cola Kwanza, Kilombero Sugar, Alliance One Tobacco, and others.