From artisan to passionate mentor

In a world where practical skills are in high demand, Paulus Ishitile stands out as an inspiring figure. As the founder of Brave and Achievers College of Artisans, he is not only an artisan by profession but also a passionate mentor for future tradespeople.

After obtaining a boiler-making degree from the Namibian Institute of Mining and Technology (NIMT) in 2008, he began his career in the field.

"I worked at the Rossing uranium mine after starting my career at Crass Marine Engineering in Walvis Bay. I made the decision to go solo in 2011 and launch a building, manufacturing and welding company," Ishitile said.

This bold move into entrepreneurship was crucial, as it helped him make a name for himself in the artisan community. But his passion wasn't always obvious. Saying that it was a passion from the start would be challenging, he narrated. "However, you fall in love with that career once you discover you enjoy what you are doing," he said.

As an artisan, Ishitile’s hands-on experience shaped his expertise and outlook on his craft. "The most important thing is to love the job you are doing. I love working with metals, especially steel. For a person to truly excel, they must enjoy what they do," he noted. His journey, however, was not without challenges. He faced hurdles common to many entrepreneurs, including difficulty in penetrating the market and obtaining capital. Even as a graduate, it was tough when he started a business, finding the right place and overcoming obstacles, he said.



Where it all began

Inspired by his own mentor, a businessman who encouraged him to train others, he founded Brave and Achievers College of Artisans. "When I was a student, my mentor, Mr Beatrice Beatrice, told me: 'Whenever you qualify, make sure you train others'. His words stayed with me," Ishitile said. The college aims to fill a gap in Namibia’s educational landscape by focusing on artisan training. "In our country, we don’t have many colleges specifically for artisans. At Brave and Achievers, we offer courses in welding, metal fabrication, boiler making, electrical work, solar installations, and more," he explained.

Currently, the college has a modest number of students, but Ishitile is optimistic. "We’ve just entered the market, but we’re already seeing interest. We want to encourage young people and even older individuals to become artisans and keep our resources within the country."

Ishitile’s career from student to entrepreneur is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance and mentorship. As he continues to shape the next generation of artisans, his story serves as an inspiration to those seeking a fulfilling and practical career path.