The Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) has been urged to establish a formal partnership with Hans Paul to equip young Tanzanians with practical automotive skills aligned with the growing demands of the tourism industry.
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Dr Hussein Mohamed Omar, made the call yesterday, August 19, 2026, during a visit to Hans Paul, an Arusha-based company specialising in manufacturing and converting safari vehicles.
Dr Omar said closer cooperation between VETA and the private sector would help bridge the gap between classroom training and the skills demanded by employers.
He said the proposed partnership would give VETA students an opportunity to gain practical experience in modern automotive technology, including the design and modification of vehicles used by Tanzania’s tourism industry.
“By entering into this agreement, our young people from VETA colleges will have an opportunity to gain practical skills, particularly in vehicles used for tourism activities in the country,” Dr Omar said.
He said the initiative was important as the automotive industry continues to evolve, requiring technicians with practical knowledge of new vehicle technologies.
Speaking on behalf of VETA Director General, Director of Vocational Education and Training Dr Abdallah Ngodu said the authority was ready to use the partnership to support implementation of its new automotive training curriculum.
“VETA has developed an automotive training curriculum, particularly for vehicles using electric technology. During our visit, we have seen that the company manufactures electric vehicles as well as vehicles used in tourism services,” Dr Ngodu said.
He said the visit had also identified an opportunity for VETA to develop specialised training for tourism drivers and tour guides, whose work requires both driving and technical knowledge of safari vehicles.
Dr Ngodu said Hans Paul had agreed to provide opportunities for VETA students to undertake practical training at the company, while VETA instructors would also benefit from additional exposure to industry practices.
“This visit has been productive because the company has agreed to continue providing practical training to our students. Our instructors will also gain additional skills so they can provide training that responds to the needs of the labour market,” he said.
Hans Paul Managing Director Satbir Singh Hanspaul said the company would continue collaborating with VETA and other vocational training institutions to help young people acquire practical skills.
He encouraged more private companies to work closely with government training institutions, saying stronger industry-academia links would help produce graduates with skills that employers need.
Mr Hanspaul also commended the Sixth-Phase Government and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology for recognising the role of the private sector in strengthening vocational education.
The proposed partnership reflects growing efforts to align vocational training with industry needs, giving Tanzanian youth greater access to practical skills and improving their prospects in sectors such as tourism, automotive services and emerging electric-vehicle technology.
