Jennifer Shigoli is transforming the African job market through Arizona Vocational Training College (AVTC). Her entrepreneurial journey began in her early years in Tanzania, where she learned the importance of problem-solving as a young girl. Even as a student, she exhibited an entrepreneurial spirit by participating in extracurricular activities, notably making and selling beaded bracelets for school projects.
These formative experiences planted the seed for her future in business and empowerment, shaping her path toward creating meaningful solutions for her community.
After earning a law degree, Shigoli faced challenges finding a job, exposing her to the harsh realities of unemployment in Tanzania. Instead of feeling defeated, she seized this opportunity to create something impactful.
During this time, she identified a significant gap in the local market: Tanzania’s manufacturing sector was dominated by imported goods, leaving little room for locally produced products. To fill this void, she took the initiative to travel to Nairobi (Kenya), where she learned about advanced manufacturing technologies unavailable in Tanzania.
Shigoli’s newly acquired skills enabled her to produce higher-quality products upon her return. This experience inspired her to help others develop the skills needed to succeed without facing the same challenges she had.
Therefore, in 2012, she founded Arizona Vocational Training College (AVTC) and Elea Reusable Pads, focusing on empowering individuals through vocational training and innovative products. Her mission was clear: to bridge the gap between education and employment by offering hands-on, practical training that equips students to thrive in a competitive job market.
Soon, AVTC established itself as a premier institution in Tanzania. With a strong emphasis on technical and vocational education, the college offers a variety of programs tailored to meet the needs of diverse industries.
Since its inception, AVTC has trained over 3,000 students from Tanzania and five neighbouring countries, providing them with the tools and knowledge to pursue meaningful employment or start businesses. The institution offers mentorship, incubation, guidance, and practical training to prepare these students for the job market.
Jeniffer Shigoli has built industry partnerships that help align AVTC’s programs with current market demands. This collaboration provides students valuable internship and job placement opportunities, further enhancing their career prospects.
Her leadership style helps AVTC succeed. She consistently seeks innovative ways to improve and expand the institution’s offerings while encouraging her team to remain flexible and open to new ideas. Her dedicated management team of 23, including experienced instructors and support staff, is committed to delivering the highest-quality education to students.
Beyond the classroom, Shigoli’s work has a lasting impact on local businesses and industries. By addressing unemployment and equipping young people with the skills they need to succeed, she contributes to Tanzania’s socio-economic development.
As it stands, AVTC graduates are filling crucial roles in various sectors, becoming entrepreneurs, creating jobs for others, and driving innovation. This ripple effect highlights the founder’s belief that a skilled, empowered workforce is essential for sustainable growth.
Jeniffer Shigoli has ambitious plans for AVTC. She envisions expanding the college’s reach by offering online courses, allowing students across Tanzania and beyond to access high-quality vocational education.
This strategic move will give AVTC an even broader impact, helping more individuals gain the skills necessary for success in a rapidly changing African job market. She also plans to grow her manufacturing business so that Elea Reusable Pads and other products continue to meet local and international market needs.
