Kraatz Engineering partners with Unam and Welding Association
Memorandum of Understanding
The MoU outlines specific programmes that include job shadowing and internships for hands-on experience.
Kraatz Engineering, a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Namibia (Unam) and the Welding Association of Namibia.
This strategic alliance is set to revolutionize the engineering sector by enhancing the talent pipeline through a synergistic approach that integrates hands-on training within academia, aligns educational curricula with industry requirements, and propels innovation through collaborative research endeavours.
The joint initiative is aimed at narrowing the skills gap prevalent in the Namibian engineering industry. By leveraging the strengths of each partner, the MoU will create a seamless pathway from education to employment, ensuring graduates are not only job-ready but also equipped to contribute to the advancement of local industry through innovation and best practices.
“Kraatz and O&L’s commitment to nurturing local talent will see students gain invaluable on-the-job experience through structured internships and job attachments. Unam’s rich academic environment will be enriched by real-world industry insights, enhancing their reputation as a cradle of future industry leaders, while the broader engineering sector will benefit from a workforce that is educated, innovative, and aligned with the needs of industry,” states Cameron Kali, talent acquisition specialist at O&L.
The MoU outlines specific programmes that include job shadowing and internships for hands-on experience, utilization of state-of-the-art facilities and professional equipment, joint research projects aimed at industry innovation, as well as academic and industry information exchange forums.
These programmes are designed to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical skills, providing a holistic educational experience for students.
The anticipated outcomes of this collaboration are multifaceted, which include a significant reduction in the skills gap within the Namibian engineering industry, an increase in job creation, particularly for the youth, as well as the establishment of Namibia as a hub of industry innovation and progress.
This partnership embodies the long-term vision of creating a sustainable and self-sufficient local industry that is competitive on a global scale. It aligns with national goals for education and industry development and promises to catalyze the economic and social upliftment of the Namibian society.
Prof. Kenneth Matengu, Unam’s vice chancellor, has endorsed this partnership, recognizing it as a pivotal step towards an interconnected and progressive future for Namibia.
“This MoU creates opportunities to collaborate in the overall education of our engineering students, but more specifically in student placement, research, and R&D support. This framework advances the mutual interests of the parties, especially in the development of welding engineering education in Namibia, which Unam will begin offering soon. Unam is extremely pleased to partner with Kraatz of the O&L Group and looks forward to working with O&L in expanding industry activities and supporting emerging businesses in the future,” stated Matengu.
Frank Kernstock, MD of Kraatz Engineering, adds, “Internship and attachment programs are critical in crafting a robust talent pipeline. At O&L and Kraatz, we envision a sustainable future where Namibians are at the forefront of industry innovation, and therefore, we are committed to this journey, alongside Unam and the Welding Association, in creating and enhancing life locally. This partnership is more than a MoU; it is a promise to the future generations of Namibia, ensuring they have the tools, skills, and opportunities to build a brighter, more innovative future for all. This is authentically who we are, what we care about, and for the future, we are passionate about.”
Students and academics eager to take part in this trailblazing initiative are encouraged to contact their respective institutional representatives for information on criteria and application processes.
– Contributed
This strategic alliance is set to revolutionize the engineering sector by enhancing the talent pipeline through a synergistic approach that integrates hands-on training within academia, aligns educational curricula with industry requirements, and propels innovation through collaborative research endeavours.
The joint initiative is aimed at narrowing the skills gap prevalent in the Namibian engineering industry. By leveraging the strengths of each partner, the MoU will create a seamless pathway from education to employment, ensuring graduates are not only job-ready but also equipped to contribute to the advancement of local industry through innovation and best practices.
“Kraatz and O&L’s commitment to nurturing local talent will see students gain invaluable on-the-job experience through structured internships and job attachments. Unam’s rich academic environment will be enriched by real-world industry insights, enhancing their reputation as a cradle of future industry leaders, while the broader engineering sector will benefit from a workforce that is educated, innovative, and aligned with the needs of industry,” states Cameron Kali, talent acquisition specialist at O&L.
The MoU outlines specific programmes that include job shadowing and internships for hands-on experience, utilization of state-of-the-art facilities and professional equipment, joint research projects aimed at industry innovation, as well as academic and industry information exchange forums.
These programmes are designed to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical skills, providing a holistic educational experience for students.
The anticipated outcomes of this collaboration are multifaceted, which include a significant reduction in the skills gap within the Namibian engineering industry, an increase in job creation, particularly for the youth, as well as the establishment of Namibia as a hub of industry innovation and progress.
This partnership embodies the long-term vision of creating a sustainable and self-sufficient local industry that is competitive on a global scale. It aligns with national goals for education and industry development and promises to catalyze the economic and social upliftment of the Namibian society.
Prof. Kenneth Matengu, Unam’s vice chancellor, has endorsed this partnership, recognizing it as a pivotal step towards an interconnected and progressive future for Namibia.
“This MoU creates opportunities to collaborate in the overall education of our engineering students, but more specifically in student placement, research, and R&D support. This framework advances the mutual interests of the parties, especially in the development of welding engineering education in Namibia, which Unam will begin offering soon. Unam is extremely pleased to partner with Kraatz of the O&L Group and looks forward to working with O&L in expanding industry activities and supporting emerging businesses in the future,” stated Matengu.
Frank Kernstock, MD of Kraatz Engineering, adds, “Internship and attachment programs are critical in crafting a robust talent pipeline. At O&L and Kraatz, we envision a sustainable future where Namibians are at the forefront of industry innovation, and therefore, we are committed to this journey, alongside Unam and the Welding Association, in creating and enhancing life locally. This partnership is more than a MoU; it is a promise to the future generations of Namibia, ensuring they have the tools, skills, and opportunities to build a brighter, more innovative future for all. This is authentically who we are, what we care about, and for the future, we are passionate about.”
Students and academics eager to take part in this trailblazing initiative are encouraged to contact their respective institutional representatives for information on criteria and application processes.
– Contributed
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