Industry Meets Education

... Muapa Wood Initiative Partners with LVTC to Boost Vocational Skills Training and employ deserving carpentry graduates

By Francis Maingaila ♥️

Lusaka, Zambia – March 14, 2024 – Mupapa Wood has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Lusaka Vocational and Technical College (LVTC) to equip carpentry and joinery graduates with industry-relevant skills, create employment opportunities, foster entrepreneurship, and promote sustainable forestry practices.

The initiative, which follows a successful pilot phase, aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical industry demands by providing graduates with hands-on training, business development skills, and exposure to sustainable resource management.

Bridging the Gap Between Training and Industry Needs

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mupapa Wood Initiative’s Head of Human Resource (HR) and Administration, Susie Ironside, said the collaboration was designed to help graduates transition smoothly into the workforce.

She noted that while vocational training equips students with theoretical knowledge, many struggle to secure employment due to a lack of industry exposure.

“This partnership ensures that graduates are not only trained but also prepared for the demands of the industry,” she said.

“Through structured, hands-on learning, students will gain technical expertise, workplace discipline, and insight into production standards.”

She further explained that under the agreement, ten graduates will be selected annually for a six-month training program at Mupapa Wood.

She added that those who excel during the training period may be considered for full-time employment, while others will receive recommendations to industry partners seeking skilled professionals.

Enhancing Training and Strengthening Institutional Collaboration

LVTC Principal Georgina Chama described the MoU as a significant milestone for both institutions, emphasizing its potential to enhance practical training and strengthen industry-academic collaboration.

“This partnership represents a major step in bridging the gap between technical education and industry expectations,” Chama said.

“Our goal as an institution is to ensure that graduates are not just qualified on paper but are also equipped with practical skills that make them competitive in the job market.”

She highlighted that Mupapa Wood Initiative’s industry expertise and modern facilities would expose students to current trends, technologies, and workplace standards, ensuring that their training remained relevant.

“We recognize that classroom learning alone is not enough. Students need to work with professionals, handle real projects, and understand workplace expectations,” she added.

“This program will provide our students with a structured, real-world learning experience that builds their confidence and competence.”

Job Creation and Entrepreneurship Opportunities

Chama also noted that the program would not only enhance employability but also equip graduates with entrepreneurial skills, allowing them to start their own businesses.

“By gaining hands-on experience at Mupapa Wood Initiative, graduates will not only increase their chances of securing jobs but also gain the skills needed to launch their own carpentry and joinery businesses,” she said.

“This aligns with Zambia’s national development goals of promoting youth empowerment and self-employment.”

She further stated that the college was committed to nurturing innovation and business skills among students, adding that the collaboration with Mupapa Wood Initiative would provide a platform for graduates to explore new ideas, product designs, and business models.

Sustainability and Responsible Forestry Practices

A key component of the program is environmental stewardship. Ironside stated that Mupapa Wood was committed to sustainable resource management and ensuring that trainees understood the importance of ethical sourcing and eco-friendly production methods.

“This initiative is about more than just craftsmanship—it’s about protecting our natural resources while producing high-quality wood products,” she said.

“By educating graduates on sustainable harvesting and efficient material use, we are safeguarding Zambia’s forests for future generations.”

She further noted that Mupapa Wood Initiative’s NGO arm would play a role in training participants on responsible forestry practices, ensuring that Zambia’s timber resources were managed and utilized in a way that balanced economic benefits with environmental conservation.

A Trailblazing Industry Initiative

Mupapa Wood Initiative is the first company in Zambia’s carpentry and joinery industry to introduce a structured training program of this nature.

Ironside said the initiative aligned with national policies on skills development, job creation, and sustainable resource management.

“This MoU represents a transformative step in workforce development,” she said.

“By combining technical training with employment opportunities and environmental responsibility, we are setting a standard for industry-academic partnerships.”

She expressed confidence that the collaboration would serve as a model for other companies looking to invest in skills development and contribute to Zambia’s economic growth.

Chama echoed this sentiment, stating that such collaborations were crucial in strengthening Zambia’s vocational education system.

“Our students need exposure to the real work environment before they graduate. This partnership with Mupapa Wood Initiative is a clear example of how industry can play an active role in shaping the future workforce,” she said.

“We encourage more companies to follow this example and work with technical colleges to equip young people with the right skills for national development.”

Future Outlook and Program Expansion

The agreement is valid for one year, with provisions for renewal and expansion based on its success.

Ironside said Mupapa Wood Initiative intended to refine the initiative, increase participation, and explore additional technical disciplines that complement the carpentry and woodworking sector.

“This is just the beginning,” she said. “By continuously improving and expanding this program, we hope to make a lasting impact on skills development, job creation, and sustainable entrepreneurship in Zambia.”

Chama concluded by expressing optimism about the program’s future, emphasizing that strong partnerships between industry and educational institutions were key to addressing unemployment and skills gaps in the country.

“We believe this is the start of something great,” she said.

“With continued collaboration and commitment, we can create a pipeline of highly skilled professionals who will drive Zambia’s industrial growth and innovation.”

Through this initiative, Mupapa Wood and LVTC are setting a new standard for vocational training, proving that businesses and educational institutions can work together to equip young professionals with the expertise needed to thrive in a competitive, environmentally responsible market.