Skills to power Namibia

Namibia needs to obtain and sustain the technical and vocational skills and expertise needed to grow its economy, the minister of higher education, technology and innovation, Dr. Itah Kandji-Murangi, has said.

Kandji-Murangi last week spoke at the inauguration of the NEV Hub Photovoltaic solar grid-tied power plants, which will generate up to 110 kilowatts to power the Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) at Nakayale, Eenhana and Valombola.

The Gobabis VTC was electrified through the same initiative sponsored by the German government, with an 80-kilowatt system installed last November.

Valombola VTC, Okakarara VTC, Nakayale VTC and Rundu VTC are public centres that offer skills training in general electrical disciplines, complemented by a host of private organisations registered and accredited by the Namibia Training Authority (NTA).

‘Impressed’

“As a ministry, we have been impressed by the manner in which the NTA is addressing the priorities and related challenges,” said the minister regarding the transformation of vocational training provision in Namibia.

Kandji-Murangi added: “Ensuring that our industries are equipped with the right individuals, who possess the right skills and attributes to compete in the ever-evolving and emerging industry sectors that constitute our economy, is certainly not an easy task.”

However, she insisted: “We must do more, and we must do so with real and renewed urgency because our country has very high aspirations for our technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector and its graduates.”

Highest level

One institution committed to maintaining the highest levels of quality in its graduates is the NamPower Vocational Training Centre (NamPower VTC), which hosted its latest graduation ceremony on 8 August.

There, the managing director of the national electricity utility, Kahenge Haulofu, said it was an important day for NamPower, “as the graduates are a testament to our commitment to equipping Namibian youth with vocational skills”.

Haulofu noted: “NamPower recognises that capacity building and skilling of young people, especially in vocational training, is crucial for the continuous improvement of NamPower as a company and to the nation at large.”

Artisan programmes

Thirty-three trainees received the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 4 qualification as artisans in mechanical engineering and electrical engineering fields, adding to Namibia’s ranks of fitters, turners and general electricians.

“We have an artisan development programme where trainees are employed on contract for three years to gain work experience. After completing the three-year programme, they must compete for jobs like any other non-NamPower graduate,” explained NamPower.

The NamPower VTC was established in 1978 by NamPower’s predecessor, the South West Africa Water and Electricity Corporation (Swawek), with only five trainees at Brakwater. Today, the centre, located across from the Van Eck power station, trains 45 students at a time.

Requirements

The NamPower VTC requires a Grade 12 certificate with a C symbol or better in mathematics, English and physical science for enrollment.

NamPower covers study costs, except for accommodation, for accepted students.

The centre also assists with the assessment of pre-trade tests for the public and NamPower employees and provides support with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or skills-upgrade processes for NamPower employees.

‘Real-world acumen’

At the same event, Dr. Ester Kali, chairperson of the NamPower board, praised the RPL programme, stating: “The real-world acumen gained through the crucible of daily operations is often the true differentiator between success and mediocrity.”

She commended NamPower and the Education, Training and Development (ETD) department for leading by example in the technical and power industry through the implementation of RPL.

Haulofu advised the graduates: “You are now equipped with knowledge and abilities to maintain, repair and even innovate within the complex machinery that powers our everyday lives.

“Your role is pivotal in ensuring the reliability and efficiency of our electricity generation, transmission and distribution systems, thus highlighting the important role you play in driving economic growth and impacting the quality of life for millions.”

He concluded: “I would like to remind you that this is just the beginning. The world of energy is vast, and the opportunities are endless.”