Gokwe Vocational Training Programme Records 90% Employment Absorption

By Rumbidzai Mashayahanya

Gokwe – More than 1,000 community members have graduated from Sustainable Transformation in Education Performances -UNKI Platinum (STEP-UP) vocational training programme at Gokwe Vocational Training Centre, with over 90 percent of the graduates successfully absorbed into Zimbabwe’s working population.
The programme which is being implemented through an upskilling partnership between UNKI Mine–Valterra and World Vision Zimbabwe, is targeting youth and community members from vulnerable backgrounds, equipping them with practical skills aligned to market demand.
The initiative focuses on ensuring graduates transition into employment, self-employment, or income-generating projects, moving beyond certification to real economic participation and has been running at the vocational centre since 2023.
Trainers said the offerings at the centre are designed to respond to local and national labour needs.
“Graduates have secured opportunities in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, services, and small-scale enterprise development,” said Mavis Rimai a cosmetology trainer.

Stakeholders say the strong employment absorption rate reflects the programme’s emphasis on relevance, hands-on training, and post-training support.
Beyond employment, STEP-UP has contributed to improved household incomes and reduced youth vulnerability in Gokwe, Shurugwi and surrounding communities. Graduates report increased confidence and improved livelihoods as a direct result of the training.
The collaboration between UNKI Mine–Valterra and World Vision Zimbabwe highlights the role of private sector and development partnerships in addressing skills gaps and unemployment.
As Zimbabwe continues to prioritise skills development, the Gokwe Vocational Training Centre programme is emerging as a practical model for inclusive community empowerment, clearly demonstrating the mantra of leaving no one, and no place behind.