Martin Nyirenda
15 July 2009
The Construction Industry Trust Fund (CITF) is speeding up the establishment of a pool of a skilled labour force in the technical and education sectors geared towards economic diversification.
CITF training facilitator in the welding department, Geoffrey Matswa, says the organisation has developed programmes to encourage Batswana to contribute to the Botswana's economic development processes.
Matswa was speaking in an interview as a CITF task force talked to prospective trainees under the programme at the Gaborone bus station early this week.
He said because the National Development Plan 10 is about to begin, CITF is developing skills in the building and construction sectors in a bid to ensure that the country does not rely on foreigners.
"It would be cost effective for the government to use local skilled labour," he said.
"That is why CITF is encouraging Batswana to undergo skills development training.
"We need Batswana to have appropriate skills to participate in the socio-economic development of their country. With employment opportunities, people tend to make informed decisions and choices on, for instance, sexual behaviour."
Matswa said since existing tertiary institutions do not have adequate skills training capacity to absorb growing numbers in need of such training, CITF has decided to take centre-stage in that regard.
CITF is finalising the development of courses suitable for workers, most of whom do not have enough time to undergo continuous long-term training.
Matswe said as the 2010 FIFA World Cup approaches, CITF is eager to make Batswana ready to benefit from the event with their skills.
"We should ready ourselves to reap benefits from the soccer spectacular in South Africa," he said.
"As we expand our roads and improve our stadiums and airports and senior secondary schools, it is important that Batswana play a significant role in these projects."
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