Realising that stakeholder engagement is key in TEVET programming, TEVET Authority hosted a stakeholder business breakfast meeting in Lilongwe aimed at providing information on the regulatory mechanism it implements in the TEVET system.

The meeting also sought to market the Malawi TEVET Certificate to employers as the only recognised certificate in the TEVET system and solicit feedback on the certificate and the competencies of its holders.

In his remarks, TEVET Authority Executive Director, Elwin Chiwembu Sichiola highlighted how the Authority plays its regulatory role citing among other mechanisms, facilitating TEVET curriculum development in line with industry demands, registration of TEVET providers and accreditation of programmes to ensure adherence to minimum requirements, conducting research to inform evidence-based decisions and programming in TEVET, demands and ensuring use of Competence Based Education and Training (CBET) methodology of training delivery.

“Through these mechanisms, the nation is assured that youths that come out of the TEVET system are adequately trained, well certified and ready to contribute to the growth of industries through wage and self-employment,” he said.

Sichiola called upon employees to embrace the Malawi TEVET certificate as it is the only certificate being offered in the TEVET system since 2017

“We implore you to prioritise this certificate and request for it in advertisements for job vacancies that you come up with in your organisations,” he said.

In his remarks, the Director of Technical and Vocational Training in the Ministry of Labour, Aubrey Matemba corroborated Sichiola’s remarks and informed the gathering that the Assessment and Certification Unit, housed under his Ministry, certifies TEVET trainees.

“This is an assurance that employers must trust and recognise the Malawi TEVET

Certificate. This certificate is aligned with Southern African Development Community (SADC) protocols, therefore it is internationally recognized,” he said.

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A representative of the employers, the Human Resources Manager for Tobacco Commission Bright Chipawo commended TEVET Authority for organising the engagement meeting with the stakeholders which he described as helpful and informative.

‘It has really opened our perspective on issues to do with technical education, and now we are well placed to understand the role the TEVET Authority plays in regulating the system and the processes that lead to the certification of TEVET trainees.

Through the information shared today, we are well placed to understand the competency levels of TEVET graduates depending on their level of certification,’ said Chipawo.

During the meeting, a presentation was made on the harmonisation process that led to the merging of three qualifications: Trade Test offered by the Ministry of Labour, Malawi Craft offered by Malawi National Examinations Board (MANEB) and CBET offered by the TEVET Authority. Through a review of the qualifications done by experts from the Government and its relevant ministries, National Trade Testing Services, MANEB, Industry, Training Institutions and TEVET Authority, the three TEVET Qualifications were harmonised in 2017 and one unified national qualification called the Malawi TEVET Certificate was introduced.

Employers were also given a platform to provide feedback on the competencies of holders of the Malawi TEVET Certificate and any issues in the TEVET system.

TEVET Authority regularly engages stakeholders through meetings, one on one visits and surveys to get their input into TEVET so that the system responds to stakeholders’ needs