OMARURU – The Omaruru Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centre is set to open doors to its first intake in April. 

The centre, housed in the well-known ‘Yellow Building’, is being converted into a fully-fledged technical training institution. 

Currently, the Namibian Institute of Mining and Technology is the only State-owned vocational training centre in Erongo. 

As such, the need for a second centre of this magnitude was identified. 

The project was initiated by the governor, who established a technical committee to oversee the repurposing of the building. 

Director of Developmental Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation in the Erongo Regional Council, Dismon Kambatuamasa, who also oversees the establishment of the centre, said during a visit on Monday that plans to meet the opening deadline are progressing well. “The first workshop for the intake is technically ready. What you don’t see inside the workshop are the procurement processes, NTA accreditation and other preparations. We have set 1 April as the first day, and we are moving steadily towards that date,” he said. 

He added that the centre will gradually expand its programmes and intake over the next 18 months. 

Every six months from April, new intakes and additional programmes will be introduced. 

He also called upon stakeholders in the country to collaborate with the council to make the VTC centre a success. 

Erongo governor Natalia /Goagoses, who visited the centre, indicated that she is satisfied with the progress made so far. 

“I am 100% satisfied. One big warehouse workshop is ready for intake. This workshop is earmarked for welding. The necessary equipment will be installed, a centre manager will be appointed soon, and student enrolment will start shortly. We are on track,” she said. 

She added that the training will be accredited and of a high standard. 

“This is not a small skills course. Students will be taken at level 4 or N3. After this training, they must be able to apply welding skills practically. As the centre expands, students will also be involved in building new workshops and warehouses, applying their skills in real projects,” /Goagoses said. 

Additionally, Omaruru constituency councillor Hendrina Gebhardt also said this centre makes access to training and education a reality for children in rural areas in the region. 

“Many learners from areas like Karibib and Daures finish secondary school without access to further studies. This centre is a turning point. Skills remain with you permanently, so I urge the Omaruru community to register and take ownership of this institution,” she said. 

– edeklerk@nepc.com.na