The government has called on employers across the country to give priority to young people who volunteer in workplaces, saying the move is critical in strengthening labour relations, improving work ethics and preparing youth for the demands of the job market.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, Ms Rahma Kisuo, made the call on January 9, 2026, while opening a national workshop on training and reviewing the 2017 Internship (Tarajali) Guidelines in Dar es Salaam.
The meeting brought together employers from various sectors to assess progress and identify ways to improve the implementation of workplace training programmes.
Ms Kisuo urged employers to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy in accepting young people for workplace training, noting that access to practical exposure remains one of the biggest challenges facing graduates and job seekers.
She said such opportunities are essential in enabling young people to acquire hands-on skills, build self-confidence and prepare for competition in both local and international labour markets.
She emphasised that workplace training and internship programmes are a key pillar in building a strong and productive workforce, which in turn supports national economic and social development.
According to the Deputy Minister, effective collaboration between employers, government institutions and young people will help produce a generation of workers who are skilled, disciplined and guided by strong work ethics.
Ms Kisuo also encouraged young people to take full advantage of available opportunities by applying for advertised positions and stepping forward to demonstrate their abilities.
She noted that internships and volunteer placements play a crucial role as a pathway to future employment by equipping participants with relevant experience valued by employers.
Earlier, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, Ms Zuhura Yunus, thanked stakeholders for responding positively to the government’s call and participating actively in the workshop.
She said the engagement of employers positions them as key partners in addressing the country’s employment challenges.
The workshop focused on recognising employers who have demonstrated strong performance in implementing the Internship Programme, while also providing a platform for learning, sharing experiences and strengthening the programme so that it delivers meaningful results and responds effectively to labour market needs.