FQM Empowers Zambian Youth Through Skills Development at Kalumbila Training Centre
First Quantum Minerals (FQM) has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering local communities through skills development with the recent graduation of 515 students from the Kalumbila Technical and Vocational Training Centre (KTTVC).
This milestone marks a significant achievement in FQM’s long-term investment in Zambia’s workforce, particularly within the mining sector.
The graduation ceremony, held at KTTVC, celebrated the achievements of 353 male and 162 female students, demonstrating FQM’s dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. The centre, established in partnership with Luanshya Technical and Business College (LTBC) through FQM’s subsidiary, FQM Trident Limited, is a key part of the company’s corporate social responsibility initiatives aimed at creating sustainable development through education.
In a speech read on behalf of the Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, by Precious Lisulo, Director of Vocational Education Training, the government commended FQM for its ongoing investment in local skills development.
Mr. Mutati emphasized the critical role technical education plays in Zambia’s economic growth and praised the mining giant for its support in aligning skills training with the country’s 8th National Development Plan.
“Technical and vocational skills are essential for the growth of our nation, especially at this point where mining is one of the priority skill areas. FQM’s collaboration with local institutions and its investment in centres like KTTVC supplement the government’s efforts to create employment and drive economic transformation,” said Mr. Mutati.
Speaking at the event, Joseph Ngwira, Trident Foundation’s Community Relations Manager, reiterated FQM’s commitment to local community development. “First Quantum Minerals is deeply committed to supporting the communities where we operate. Education and skills training are at the core of our efforts to ensure these communities thrive long after mining operations cease,” he said.
As part of its contribution to enhancing the technical capabilities of KTTVC, FQM also announced a donation of a wheel dozer and grader to the centre within two months, underscoring its support for technical education infrastructure. This donation, according to Ngwira, reflects the company’s broader objective of ensuring that local training institutions are well-equipped to produce a skilled workforce capable of contributing to Zambia’s growing mining industry.
The KTTVC provides a wide range of technical and vocational programmes, specifically tailored to equip graduates with the skills necessary for the mining sector and other industries critical to Zambia’s economic future. The centre stands as a model for public-private partnerships, demonstrating the power of collaboration between the government and private sector in addressing unemployment and fostering economic sustainability.
FQM’s investment in the KTTVC is part of a larger strategy to support Zambia’s national development agenda. As the country works towards creating more job opportunities and strengthening its economy under the 8th National Development Plan, initiatives like these play a crucial role in ensuring that Zambia’s youth are prepared to take on future challenges.
