ZAQA Develops National Occupational Standards to Support Energy Sector Expansion

By Respite Kaoma,

The Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA) has embarked on the development of National Occupational Standards (NOS) in the energy sector, aimed at supporting Government’s energy expansion agenda.

ZAQA Director General, Mercy Ngoma, says the Government’s target of adding more than 2,600 megawatts of power to the national grid by the end of the year can only be achieved with a competent, adaptable, and industry-responsive workforce.

Mrs. Ngoma said this when she officiated at the opening of a workshop on the development of National Occupational Standards in the energy sector. The workshop has attracted participants from the Ministry of Energy, academia, and the energy industry.

She noted that the need to develop relevant and future-ready skills has become more urgent than ever, given the evolving demands of the energy sector.

Mrs. Ngoma explained that the workshop will focus on developing occupational standards for six key professions: Renewable Energy Engineer, Energy Policy Analyst, Nuclear Scientist, Smart Grid Technician, Energy Efficiency Specialist, and Power Systems Engineer.

She further emphasized that under the Zambia Qualifications Authority Act No. 8 of 2024, ZAQA is mandated to ensure that qualifications attained by Zambians are relevant, of high quality, and internationally comparable.