WDA re-examines industrial training

KIGALI - The Workforce Development Authority (WDA) is exploring ways of providing industrial training to students in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). This was announced yesterday at a one -day validation workshop, aimed at discussing how Industrial Attachment Program (IAP) can benefit the students. “We are here to extensively discuss what is needed and what is not necessary in this programme. Previously, there was no effective way of industrial attachments and I believe this is going to be a solution,” Denis Rugambwa, a training specialist said in an interview. “This programme targets the middle level students - both graduates and TVET-students. In order to succeed, it needs the input of all stake holders.” Lack of commitment of companies was cited as a challenge to industrial attachment programmes. Some companies ask payment for students to carry out their industrial training there, a participant from TUMBA College of Technology, said. Rugambwa said the meeting would consider all available ways of making industrial attachment beneficial to both parties. Other challenges cited include budgetary constraints.Recently, the National University of Rwanda cut short the internship programme for its students due to budgetary constraints. While Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) slashed the budget allocated to students’ internship, before announcing that it was considering scrapping internship funding altogether. Participants suggested that extensive discussions should be arranged between companies, WDA and other relevant stakeholders, for the companies to adopt free and voluntary on job training for students. Ends