RUNDU – The Rundu Vocational Training Centre on Tuesday capped 266 graduates equipped with various skills required to power the country’s development agenda.
The training institution offers training in different technical trades on a part-time and full-time basis.
These include auto electric and auto mechanic, which has now been merged into mechatronics; general electric; bricklaying/plastering; plumbing and pipe fitting; office administration as well as joinery and cabinet making.
Additionally, the institution provides training in metal and fabrication (boiler making), farm machinery, horticulture and crop husbandry. “The Namibian government has long recognised technical and vocational education and training (TVET) as the cornerstone of a productive and skilled workforce,’’ deputy minister of higher education Natalia Goagoses said during the RVTC graduation on Tuesday.
“Our republic’s Founding president Sam Nujoma, often reminded us that ‘a nation that is educated and skilled is a nation that is strong’. [Those] wise words remain true today, because now – more than ever – TVET remains an essential driver of technological advancement, wealth creation and poverty alleviation,’’ she said.
She continued that the government’s commitment to continue investing in the TVET sector is justified.
“When we invest in TVET, we invest in our country’s most valuable resource – its people. When we invest in TVET, we invest in skills development, and we invest in the future and prosperity of our nation,’’ she said.
She noted that Namibia’s TVET sector is on the right track, and that the country is well on its way to becoming a leader in skills development on the African continent.
“Through the Namibia Training Authority, we are expanding the regional public VTC footprint to all parts of our country. We are making significant investments into upgrading existing training infrastructure, investing in instructor training, introducing cutting-edge technology into our course offerings, aligning our national training curricula with industry demands, and breaking down the negative societal perceptions around technical jobs,’’ she noted.
She reiterated that there is a need to ensure inclusivity in the country’s ongoing endeavour.
Equally, there should be a particular focus on reaching marginalised communities, women and young people in rural areas as well as generating opportunities for them to access quality TVET and develop the skills necessary to secure a better future for themselves.
Addressing the graduates, Kavango East governor Bonifatius Wakudumo encouraged them to go out and impact their communities with the skills they have acquired, and to create employment.
He said those who need help should knock on his door.
“Today, we are witnessing the transformation from being trainees to graduates. For some of you, this day was a foregone conclusion. For others, it’s a dream come true. I must remind you that you are the most powerful, young generation in human history. You are powerful because you have the most amazing technology at your command, which no other generation could even dream of. Make sure you use those opportunities to make a difference, and put your mark on society,’’ he said.