Belvedere Technical Teachers College (BTTC) was founded in 1982 as Zimbabwe’s only institution dedicated to training secondary school teachers in both academic and technical subjects.
The first intake began at Seke Teachers College in 1982 before relocating to the current campus in Belvedere in 1983. The college was established on the site of the former Harare airport, spanning 21 hectares, with construction funded at a cost of US$15 million.
In response to the 1981 Zimbabwe Conference on Reconstruction and Development (ZIMCORD), which aimed to secure international funding for rebuilding the nation, then Minister of Education Dzingai Mutumbuka redirected a U.S. donation—originally meant for rural school construction—towards establishing a technical teacher training college. This initiative laid the foundation for BTTC.
BTTC collaborates with the University of Zimbabwe’s Centre for Teacher Education and Material Development (CTEMD) to provide both academic and technical teacher training. The college also partners with the Higher Education Examination Council (HEXCO) for technical skills certification under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Innovation, and Technology.
Originally, all students trained in both academic and technical subjects. However, the curriculum later evolved to offer two distinct tracks: a four-year technical programme and a two-to-three-year academic programme, depending on entry level. Upon completion of their technical qualifications through HEXCO, students proceed to pedagogical training in teacher education.
In 1992, BTTC introduced the Post-Agriculture Diploma in Education (PADE) based on research conducted at Gweru Teachers College. This 16-month programme catered to students with prior qualifications in agriculture. Recognising the national importance of Agriculture, Science, and Mathematics, BTTC expanded its specialisation offerings, and by 2018, the Diploma in Education programme included a broader range of technical subjects.
BTTC also offers Bachelor of Education degrees in Science and Mathematics through Open Distance and e-Learning (ODeL) in partnership with the University of Zimbabwe.
Embracing entrepreneurship, innovation, and industrialisation, BTTC runs multiple projects in garment making, construction, agriculture, and infrastructure maintenance. These initiatives support community service and student participation at both national and international levels.
Today, Belvedere Technical Teachers College has evolved into a dynamic institution capable of enrolling over 2,000 students, offering a learner-centred environment that fosters creativity, practical skills, and academic excellence.