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The study explored the role of vocational education and training (VET) in promoting work related competencies with a focus on welding and metal fabrication programmes at vocational schools in Tanzania. The study has three objectives: find out the instructional models used in VET schools for enhancing work related competencies; examine the link between VET schools and the labour market for supporting work related competencies; and to find out the challenges that students in VET schools face in attaining work related competencies among VET students in Tanzania. The study was grounded by the pragmatism paradigm and supported by a concurrent mixed research design whereby data were gathered through interviews, questionnaire, and observations. The study attracted 30 respondents selected through simple random and purposive sampling procedures. Qualitative data were analysed and presented through content analysis, while quantitative data were analysed by using descriptive analysis. The findings showed that instructors use various instructional models in teaching VET students to enhance their competencies. Notwithstanding the various instructional models, there are insufficient instructional materials that fail to support the teaching and learning process. It was revealed that there is no link between VET schools and the labour market, however, the establishment of dual apprenticeship system will ensure VET students get enough practical training. Further, VET schools experience various challenges which hinder VET students from attaining work related competencies, resulting in a failure to perform work effectively. Our study recommends that government should take effective strategic initiatives to ensure VET schools perform their functions well and bring the intended consequences.