Puma invests 352m/- on skills development in Zanzibar

Puma Energy Tanzania has invested 150,000 US dollars (352m/-) on a programme that aims at developing skills in science and technology in Zanzibar.

The programme was unveiled on Wednesday at the launching of graduate training partnerships with the Karume Institute of Technology (KIST) and Pamoja Zanzibar.

As part of the agreement, over the next three years, the energy firm will invest up to 352m/- towards skills development and will offer industrial practical training programmes to help graduates gain essential skills.

Zanzibar’s Minister of Education and Vocational Training, Lela Mohammed said the initiative is in line with the broad strategy of the government in developing the national economy.

“The collaboration between Puma Energy, KIST, and Pamoja Zanzibar proves the importance of public and private collaboration in bringing about sustainable development,” she said.

The training programmes will be based at Puma Energy’s aviation depot in Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar.

Puma Energy Tanzania General Manager, Fatma Abdallah said the programme will offer the graduate trainees an opportunity to be absorbed into their work force.

“As part of the training schedule, the KIST trainees will learn about our daily depot operations and functions and maintenance activities at the airport and the Pamoja Zanzibar graduates will learn about vehicle maintenance,” she said.

Initially, five trainees will be selected with guidance from KIST and Pamoja and in future the programme may be expanded to accommodate additional trainees and sites such as the Mtoni Marine Terminal in Zanzibar.

“Puma Energy has already invested to ensure its facilities at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport are among the most modern, efficient and reliable in Africa and now we are making this significant investment to boost the skills and opportunities for young people in Zanzibar,” said Ms Abdallah.

KIST Director Dr Mahmoud Abdulwahab Alawi said the year-long programme has been carefully created to teach graduates the skills they will need to thrive in a work environment and it provides a potential route to long term employment with a major company at the heart of Zanzibar’s economy.

Graduate Trainee, Gulam Abdallah, said, “It is a wonderful opportunity… I am looking forward to putting my skills to use.”