Maseru ___ The Manager Industrial Training at Lesotho Organisational Industrial Centre (LOIC) says, vocational training provides skill-based learning and focuses on how to transfer practical skills.

“This is to say, upon completion of the programme, one will have gained the necessary knowledge and hands-on skills needed to perform specific tasks of an occupation”, Mr. Tumelo ‘Mota said this in an interview with the Agency on Wednesday.

This he said when unpacking the importance of vocational training, a few days ahead of awarding certificates to over 400 graduates at the centre.

According to the Manager, graduates to be awarded include those who are already in the industry, stating they will be given certificates in areas of auto mechanic, construction, and electrical installation to mention a few.

He explained that the current unemployment rate in the country, particularly among youth, calls for those who can creatively think outside the box, thus view this type of training as one of those that can alleviate poverty and hunger while also creating jobs.

“The technical skills that we provide to our students make them competent and marketable locally and within South African Development Community (SADC) countries, hence some of our trainees are employed outside the country”, he said.

Mr. 'Mota applauded all who will be awarded during the graduation ceremony, indicating that such is a milestone and a step ahead towards changing their lives and those around them.

Earlier in the year, while delivering a budget speech, the Minister of Finance and Development Planning Dr. Retsélisitsoe Matlanyane had indicated that Lesotho needed to focus on economic growth which would only succeed given there are certain developments in identified fields.

Dr. Matlanyane had pointed out that the government will focus on building enabling infrastructure to support growth sectors and creating viable public private partnerships to accelerate infrastructure development.

Indeed LOIC responds to the need with technical training in fields of auto mechanic, construction, plumbing and electrical installation which are mostly not training people for employment elsewhere but creation of employment for others.

LOIC was formed with the aim to provide technical skills to boys and girls from ages 18 years with the objective to achieve highly valued skills and competitive advantages.