Directorate of Industrial and Vocational Training

The Directorate of Industrial and Vocational Training (DIVT) is a government department under the Ministry of Labour and Social Security in Eswatini, dedicated to building a skilled and competent national workforce. Located in Mbabane, this vocational training institute administers industrial on-the-job skills development and professional competence assessment for tradespeople and entrepreneurs across the country. Established by the Industrial and Vocational Training Act No. 16 of 1982, the directorate bridges the gap between theoretical learning and practical industry requirements.

DIVT’s mandate focuses on two major pillars: formal apprenticeship programs that combine work-based learning with structured training, and a robust trade testing system that certifies the skill levels of workers in designated trades. The institute also advises the Minister of Labour on all matters related to industrial and vocational training policy, ensuring that skills development aligns with Eswatini’s economic priorities and labor market demands.

Core Services & Programs

The directorate operates through two primary units — Trade Testing and Apprenticeship. Each unit plays a vital role in developing, assessing, and certifying a skilled labor force that meets both local and international standards.

Trade Testing & Competency Assessment

The Trade Testing Unit is based at the directorate’s headquarters and is responsible for measuring the vocational ability and skill levels of employable persons and entrepreneurs across various industrial sectors. Candidates are assessed through practical examinations that verify their competence in specific trades.

• Grade Three – Semi-skilled workers: entry-level certification for individuals with basic operational skills in a trade.
• Grade Two – Skilled workers: intermediate certification for those who can perform tasks independently and with consistent quality.
• Grade One – Highly skilled workers: advanced certification for master craftsmen who demonstrate superior technical ability and can supervise others.

National trade test registration schedules are published annually, and the directorate coordinates with multiple testing centers located in Mbabane, Manzini, and Matsapha, including partners such as MITC, VOCTIM, ECOT, and NHTC.

Apprenticeship & Work-Based Learning

The Apprenticeship Unit promotes industrial training through structured work-based learning programs. It ensures that all apprentices and trainees in designated trades receive adequate on-the-job training combined with related theoretical instruction. The unit sets minimum rates of pay, monitors training quality, and facilitates contracts between employers and apprentices.

This system allows companies to mold talent according to their operational needs while young professionals earn as they learn. The directorate regularly reviews apprenticeship rates of pay and publishes revised schedules to keep compensation fair and competitive.

Why Customers and Partners Choose DIVT

Employers, job seekers, and government agencies turn to the Directorate of Industrial and Vocational Training because it serves as the national authority on skilled trades certification. A Grade One trade test certificate issued by DIVT is recognized throughout Eswatini and valued by regional employers as proof of hands-on competence.

The institute’s close alignment with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security gives it a regulatory backbone that private trainers cannot offer. Companies hosting apprentices benefit from standardized training frameworks, reduced recruitment costs, and a predictable pipeline of qualified workers. For individuals, a DIVT credential opens doors to better wages, self-employment opportunities, and career advancement in sectors like construction, manufacturing, automotive repair, hospitality, and electrical installation.

• Government-backed certification that carries legal recognition under national legislation.
• Strong relationships with industry bodies, trade associations, and the Eswatini Higher Education Council.
• Regular updates to testing schedules and apprenticeship rates, reflecting current economic conditions.
• Multiple testing venues across the Hhohho and Manzini regions, improving access for rural candidates.
• Clear progression from semi-skilled to highly skilled grades, providing a lifelong career development pathway.

Serving Mbabane and All of Eswatini

While DIVT is headquartered at the M4QF+53J address in Mbabane, its services extend across the entire country. Through a network of accredited trade testing centers and partnerships with training institutions, the directorate reaches aspiring tradespeople in urban centers and rural communities alike. This decentralized approach helps Eswatini meet its national human resource development goals and supports key sectors such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and services.

International partners, including regulatory bodies and donor organizations, collaborate with DIVT to align local training frameworks with global best practices. This ensures that Emaswati workers can compete for technical jobs both at home and abroad.

Hours, Location & Contact

The directorate’s office in Mbabane operates during standard business hours, typically opening from 08:00 to 17:00 on weekdays. Visitors are welcome to inquire about upcoming trade test dates, apprenticeship placements, and qualification verifications. The location is easily accessible by public transport, with nearby parking facilities available for those driving.

The official mailing address is P.O. Box 1218, Mbabane. General inquiries can be sent to enquiries@divt.org.sz or by phone at +268 2404 6122/4. Specific queries regarding trade testing procedures should be directed to the Trade Testing Officer at tt_officer@divt.org.sz, while apprenticeship-related questions can go to app_officer@divt.org.sz. The Director’s office is reachable via director@divt.org.sz for policy-level matters and stakeholder proposals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register for a trade test?

Registration schedules are posted on the DIVT website and at testing centers. You must complete the official application form, pay the required fee, and submit it before the deadline for your desired trade and grade level.

What trades are covered under the apprenticeship scheme?

The scheme covers designated trades identified in consultation with the Industrial and Vocational Training Board. These typically include electrical, mechanical, automotive, construction, and related technical fields. Updated lists are available on the directorate’s website.

Can an employer host an apprentice without going through DIVT?

DIVT manages the official apprenticeship framework. Employers who wish to train apprentices with recognized certification should contact the Apprenticeship Officer to formalize the arrangement and comply with national training standards.

Is DIVT certification recognized outside Eswatini?

While the primary recognition is within Eswatini, the competency-based nature of DIVT trade tests means many regional employers value the certificate. The directorate also works with international bodies to benchmark its assessments, which supports cross-border job mobility.