Chipinge College vocational training equipment procured

Chipinge College of Horticulture – Vocational Skills Training Department (YEP) has completed a round of priority purchases to improve the quality of practical training across eight vocational departments. Over the past two weeks, the college held a joint planning meeting with tutors and management, then procured equipment and materials in line with agreed departmental needs and budget allocations.

The departments supported are:

• Cosmetology

• Garment Construction

• Welding

• Motor Vehicle Mechanics

• Carpentry and Joinery

• Brick and Block Laying

• Plumbing and Drain Laying

• Computers

All purchases were backed by three quotations per item, ensuring transparent and cost-conscious use of funds.

Activities delivered

1. Planning meeting with tutors and management

   A three-hour meeting was convened with tutors and members of the management team to:

   • Review the state of equipment and materials in each department.

   • Agree on minimum requirements for effective practical training.

   • Confirm budget allocations and prioritise items for purchase.

   

2. Procurement of equipment and materials

   Following the planning session, the college:

   • Requested and reviewed three quotations for each required item.

   • Purchased equipment and consumable materials for each of the eight departments, aligned to the pre-agreed budgets.

   • Distributed items to departments so that they can immediately be used in practical lessons.

Summary of departmental coverage

Impact on students and training quality

With new equipment and materials now available, tutors report that practical sessions are becoming more effective. Students can:

• Access sufficient tools and materials during practical lessons.

• Gain exposure to equipment that more closely reflects workplace conditions.

• Build confidence in core technical skills across the eight vocational areas.

I am happy with the new equipments and materials we received as a department which will improve our training in area of practicals.

This feedback reflects a broader sentiment across departments that the investment in equipment will help raise both the quality and relevance of training.

Developments and enrolment outlook

The college expects that these improvements in training conditions will contribute to:

• Stronger word-of-mouth about the quality of vocational programmes.

• Increased enrolment in upcoming terms, as prospective students observe better-equipped workshops and classrooms.

• A higher likelihood that graduates will meet industry expectations for practical competence.

Management has already observed interest from new students enrolling for the next term, which they attribute in part to improved training environments and visible upgrades in the workshops.