Mupapa Wood & LVTC are redefining vocational training in Zambia!
From top left American Chamber of Commerce Representative, middle Susan Ironside Madame Ruth’s daughter, next one on the right Mr. Kawana Head of Research, Consultancy, and Business Development Bottom left Mrs. Chama from Principal from vocational training and on the right Ruth Ironside Mupapa wood CEO
By Francis Maingaila (Zambia) and Francis John, Editor & Publisher, TipsNews Kansas City
Lusaka, Zambia – March 14, 2024 – Mupapa Wood has entered into a strategic partnership with Lusaka Vocational and Technical College (LVTC) to equip carpentry and joinery graduates with industry-relevant skills, enhance job creation, and promote entrepreneurship. The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) marks a significant milestone in aligning vocational training with real-world industry demands, ensuring that graduates are not only equipped with technical knowledge but also gain hands-on experience and exposure to sustainable forestry practices.
During the signing ceremony, Mupapa Wood Initiative’s Head of Human Resources and Administration, Susie Ironside, highlighted the program’s aim to bridge the gap between academic training and industry expectations. Many vocational graduates struggle to transition into the workforce due to a lack of practical exposure, and this initiative seeks to address that challenge. Under the agreement, ten graduates will be selected annually for an intensive six-month training program at Mupapa Wood, where they will refine their skills, understand production standards, and gain insight into workplace discipline. Those who excel may be offered full-time employment, while others will be connected with industry partners seeking skilled professionals.
LVTC Principal, Georgina Chama, described the collaboration as a groundbreaking initiative, emphasizing its role in strengthening institutional ties between education and industry. She noted that while technical education equips students with theoretical knowledge, real-world application is critical in making graduates job-ready. With access to modern equipment and mentorship from professionals at Mupapa Wood, students will be better prepared to meet employer expectations and industry demands.
Beyond employability, the program also fosters entrepreneurship. Chama explained that graduates will not only acquire technical expertise but will also be trained in business development, empowering them to establish their own carpentry and joinery enterprises. This aligns with Zambia’s national development agenda, which prioritizes youth empowerment and self-reliance in job creation. By nurturing innovation and business acumen, the initiative encourages young professionals to contribute meaningfully to the economy.
Sustainability is another key component of the program, with Mupapa Wood ensuring that trainees are educated on responsible forestry management and eco-friendly production methods. Ironside stressed that sustainable practices are at the heart of Mupapa Wood’s operations, and integrating environmental stewardship into vocational training is essential for long-term resource conservation. Through its NGO arm, the company will provide specialized training on ethical sourcing, sustainable harvesting, and efficient material use to protect Zambia’s forests while maintaining profitability.
As the first structured training program of its kind in Zambia’s carpentry and joinery sector, this initiative sets a precedent for industry-led skills development. Ironside affirmed that the collaboration aligns with national policies on workforce development and sustainable industrialization. By combining practical training with employment opportunities and environmental responsibility, Mupapa Wood and LVTC are establishing a new benchmark for how businesses and educational institutions can work together to drive economic growth.
With an initial one-year implementation period, the program has provisions for expansion based on its success. Ironside indicated that Mupapa Wood is committed to refining the initiative, increasing participation, and exploring other technical disciplines that complement carpentry and woodworking. The long-term vision is to build a skilled workforce that supports job creation, industrial innovation, and sustainable entrepreneurship in Zambia.
Chama expressed optimism about the future impact of this initiative, urging more companies to collaborate with vocational institutions in equipping young professionals with practical skills. She emphasized that addressing unemployment and bridging the skills gap requires a collective effort between education providers and industry stakeholders.
Through this forward-thinking partnership, Mupapa Wood and LVTC are demonstrating that vocational training, when coupled with industry collaboration, can create meaningful opportunities for young professionals, ensuring that Zambia’s workforce remains competitive, innovative, and environmentally responsible.
