A new workplace learning programme that will help employees acquire practical skills has been launched in Kigali to help address shortage of relevant skills needed on the labour market.

Dubbed ‘Plumbing Dual Training System’ it will help apprentices from various construction companies improve their practical workplace skills in plumbing.

In collaboration with Workforce Development Authority (WDA), IPRC-Kigali and the Association for Contractors in Construction Sector (AEBTP), the pilot dual training started in April this year funded by the German Development Cooperation.

Speaking at the launch of the programme on Tuesday, the Minister of State for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Olivier Rwamukwaya said the approach will help fill the gap in teaching practical skills in the country.

He called on members of Private Sector Federation to play their role in making the programme successful.

"I want to thank entrepreneurs who understood this programme and implemented it. In order to attain quality of education in practical skills, there is a need for everyone’s contribution, especially private sector. We call for collaboration of private sector with Government to ensure this approach succeeds,” he said.

He said the programme will bring cross-cutting impacts, including providng competent workers with added value and well furnished training space to facilitate better training.

Rwamukwaya reminded entrepreneurs to incorporate capacity building component in their budget and business plans.

The Germany Ambassador in Rwanda, Dr Peter Woeste said his government is happy to assist in the training.

 "Technical Vocational Education is one of the pillars of our cooperation with the Government. The system of workplace training has proven to be very successful as in Germany, it is the backbone of the economy and it is behind our success stories,” he said.

The AEBTP chairperson, Dr Alex Nsengumuremyi said seven companies are involved where; a learner spends half time acquiring theoretical knowledge in classrooms and spends the other half in companies under the supervision of qualified personel.

"This present workplace learning in plumbing we are launching today, I hope integrating it in other economic sectors would transform the workforce in Rwanda for quality, quantity and competitiveness on the local, regional and international labour market,” he said.

The programme is designed as a two-year dual training and lead to award of a TVET certificate recognised by public and private sector.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw