1. When did the training centre open its doors?

Chinhoyi Rural Training Centre reopened its doors on the 1st of April 2023, when it recruited the current group of lecturers. The Training Centre, then started the training on the 8th of May 2024.

2. Who was the brains behind its revitalisation?

Rt. Rev. Bishop Raymond Mupandasekwa was very instrumental in the revitalisation of the Training Centre. During its time of temporary closure in 2020, the Bishop vigorously sourced and bought some modern tools and equipment for all the initial eleven (11) departments. This also includes the renovations of the workshops to accommodate the new tools and equipment. The state of the equipment was confirmed by the officials who attended the official opening which was graced by the Honourable Vice President Dr. CG. Chiwenga, former Minister of State, Cde Mary Mliswa and the Minister of Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister, Prof. (Dr) Amon Murwira and his Directors.

3. Which courses are being offered at the Training Centre?

The Training Centre is currently offering eleven (11) courses, namely;

1. a) Automobile Electrics and Electronics
2. b) Brick and Blocklaying
3. c) Carpentry and Joinery
4. d) Clothing and Textiles
5. e) Cosmetolog
6. f) Information Communication Technology
7. g) Machineshop
8. h) Motor Vehicle Mechanics
9. i) Plumbing and Drainlaying
10. j) Professional Cookery
11. k) Welding and Metal Fabrication

NB* The Training Centre has recently introduced Electrical Power Installations, which is going to have its first class of students on the 6th of May 2024. All these courses are being offered at;

1. a) National Foundation Certificate
2. b) National Certificate
3. c) Short Courses (4 weeks, 3 months, 6 months)
4. d) Trade tests

What makes the Training Centre so distinct from other Vocational Training Centres? Chinhoyi Rural Training Centre is distinct from other Vocational Training Centres in that;

1. a) It boasts of new and modern equipment in all the departments. This has led the officials from the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development to consider awarding the Training Centre, the Polytechnic status, the process which is almost done.

1. b) It is running a variety of disciplines / courses, thereby meeting most of the community needs.

1. c) It is also offering the training using a number of models (full time, short courses and weekends, trade tests), in trying to meet individual circumstances and conditions.

1. d) It also has a comparative advantage over Vocational Training centres in the province, in that it is the only private church run Training Centre. Its standards are high compared to other training centres.

5. How many students does the centre have and are they all from Chinhoyi?
6. a) As of the 28th of March 2024, when we closed for the holidays, the enrolment was at 331. This included students from two NGOs (LEAD and Pamuhacha HIV & AIDS Project), with 75 and 12 students, respectively.

1. b) We have students from as far as Chitsungo, Kanyemba, Karoi, Kariba, Harare, Masvingo etc

6. What are your expectations from your students?

As a Training Centre, we expect each student to;

1. a) leave the training with at least two qualifications, Certificate and a Skilled Worker status

1. b) to be morally and technically upright. The training centre exposes each student to the Roman Catholic Church Christian values as well as the technical skills training components.

1. c) Observe the Child Safeguarding values so as to respect each other’s life.
2. How do you think you can contribute to the economic development of the Diocese, the church and to National development?

Extracting from the Vision and Mission of the Training Centre;