By Patience Gondo
THE Registration for the 2026 intake is now underway at St Mary’s Lutumba Vocational Training Centre, Beitbridge’s only skills offering church-run institution.
The Catholic Diocese of Masvingo institution is intensifying efforts to equip Beitbridge’s young people with practical employment oriented skills.
The centre announced this week that it is enrolling students for a range of two year vocational programmes offered in partnership with the Ministry of Youth Empowerment Development and Vocational Training.
The courses include garment construction, brick and block laying, joinery and electronics communication systems all designed to respond to the growing demand for technical and hands on skills in Zimbabwe’s economy.
The institution said each of the long term vocational programmes runs for two years after which students become eligible to sit for trade tests.
Graduates who successfully complete the assessments can obtain skilled worker class certification a qualification that enhances their prospects for formal employment or self-employment.
In addition to the full vocational programmes the training centre is also offering short courses aimed at learners seeking quicker skills acquisition.
These include a one week course in functions decorations, a 12 month programme in interior home decorations and a six month course in solar installation and maintenance.
The solar training reflects a growing national and regional focus on renewable energy solutions amid persistent power shortages.
The centre has outlined a clear fee structure for prospective students. Registration for the 2026 intake costs R250. Boarding students are expected to pay between US$100 and R1 840, while day scholars pay between US$80 and R1 470, depending on the programme.
Training tools and equipment cost R150 per term. For short courses boarders pay R450 per month and day scholars R350 per month.
St Mary’s Lutumba Vocational Training Centre has also emphasised inclusivity in its admissions policy.
Applicants between 15 and 35 years are eligible to apply and the programmes do not require five Ordinary Level passes.
Instead, the institution prioritises entrepreneurial aptitude, personal interest and demonstrated potential to exploit opportunities that can lead to economic independence.
The approach is intended to open doors for young people who may have been excluded from conventional academic pathways but still possess the drive and talent to succeed in vocational trades.
Enquiries and applications are currently being handled through the centre’s administration, with prospective students encouraged to contact designated officials via call, SMS or WhatsApp.
“For enquiries call SMS or WhatsApp Rev Dr V. Muzenda on 263 77 264 5235 264r. Bodzo +263 71 719 3464 – Mr Kwinika +263 77 224 1095523,” the institution said.