Speaking during the launch of the inaugural EU Youth Sounding Board in Lusaka, Nkandu said Zambia’s largely youthful population must be provided with practical platforms to acquire skills and contribute meaningfully to national development.
“You are just coming from college. Where are you supposed to get that experience if no one gives you the opportunity? I’m not a fan of employers who demand experience from young people,” Nkandu said.
He explained that government initiatives such as youth resource centres, internship programmes, access to land and entrepreneurship schemes are aimed at equipping young people with hands-on experience and marketable skills.
Nkandu urged the private sector to create avenues for graduates to volunteer, intern and gain exposure to real working environments.
Meanwhile, Karolina Stasiak said the European Union remains committed to empowering Zambian youth, noting that platforms like the EU Youth Sounding Board provide young people with an opportunity to influence policy and decision-making.
“Young people are key partners in driving sustainable development, and platforms like the EU Youth Sounding Board ensure that their perspectives are heard and reflected in decisions that will shape their futures,” Stasiak said.
She encouraged members of the board to actively engage communities, government and development partners to strengthen collaboration and ensure that youth voices remain central in shaping Zambia’s future.
Thats a misunderstanding of the labor market. Employers usually demand for relevant skills. When they ask for work experience, it’s not from fresh graduates.
It just means for the task at hand, they are not looking for graduates but graduates with experience. If you have never driven a bus you cant hope to get a job driving passengers to Harare. Once you cause an accident lost lives can’t be resurrected.