The Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) is a government agency in Tanzania responsible for managing and providing vocational education and training throughout the country. Established under the Vocational Education and Training Act No. 1 of 1994, VETA plays a vital role in equipping Tanzanians with practical skills needed in various sectors of the economy.
The purpose of VETA is to develop a competent workforce that supports national development, reduces unemployment, and promotes self-reliance, particularly among young people. The authority achieves this by operating vocational training centers, accrediting private training providers, developing curricula, and conducting trade tests for certification.
Key Functions of VETA
- Establishes, manages, and maintains vocational training centres across Tanzania.
- Develops, reviews, and updates training programmes to match the needs of industries.
- Registers and accredits private vocational training centres to ensure quality.
- Organises and conducts trade tests for different occupational levels.
- Promotes vocational training as a means of economic empowerment.
Main Fields (Faculties) and Courses Offered
VETA offers a wide range of practical, hands-on courses designed to prepare students for direct employment or self-employment. Below are the major fields and examples of courses:
Engineering and Industrial Trades
- Electrical Installation
- Welding and Fabrication
- Plumbing and Pipe Fitting
- Carpentry and Joinery
- Automotive Mechanics
- Fitter Mechanics
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
- Masonry and Bricklaying
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- Computer Applications
- Computer Maintenance
- Computer Networking
- Office Automation
Hospitality and Tourism
- Hotel Management
- Food Production (Cookery and Catering)
- Front Office Operations
- Housekeeping
- Tour Guiding
Business and Entrepreneurship
- Business Management
- Secretarial Studies
- Customer Care
- Marketing
- Tailoring and Fashion Design
Agriculture and Agro-mechanics
- General Agriculture
- Crop Production
- Animal Husbandry
- Farm Machinery Maintenance
Beauty and Personal Care
- Hairdressing
- Barbering
- Beauty Therapy
Renewable Energy and Other Specialised Trades
- Solar Power Installation and Maintenance
- Leather and Footwear Technology
- Upholstery
- Sign Writing
Levels of Training
VETA offers various levels of training, including:
- Artisan Level
- Trade Test Grades I, II, III
- Competency-based short courses
- Tailor-made programmes for specific groups or industries
The duration of training varies from short-term courses of a few weeks to multi-year programmes for full artisan qualifications.
VETA Training Centres
VETA operates training centres across Tanzania in regions such as:
- Dar es Salaam
- Arusha
- Mwanza
- Dodoma
- Mbeya
- Morogoro
- And many other districts
Each centre offers a selection of courses tailored to the local economy and job market.
