Immanuel Nghitotelwa Nakambale

As an enthusiastic advocate for a prosperous and industrialised Namibia, it’s evident to me that propelling Vocational Education and Training is pivotal to realising this aspiration within the timeframe outlined in Vision 2030. VET serves as the cornerstone for imparting real-world, practical skills crucial for professional success.

Benefits 

Economically, VET offers a pathway to middle-class employment, enhancing human capital and directly addressing skill gaps critical for sustained economic growth. Furthermore, VET fosters an applied learning environment that breeds competitiveness, boosts employment opportunities, and significantly drives economic advancement, diminishing reliance solely on formal employment.

Subsequently, VET students acquire skills and, the ability to become creative individuals. With these skills, students become valuable citizens who impact their communities positively, to mention a few examples; mind-blowing designers of furniture, fashion, plumbers and welders. VET helps people generate ideas to invent new designs and products, which heighten their source of income in society and eventually contribute to better living.

When acknowledging the government of the Republic of Namibia’s support for the few existing VET initiatives in Namibia, it is essential to emphasise the need for broader and more robust efforts.

Suggestions

Firstly, each region requires well-structured, empowered, and adequately monitored VET institutions supported by governmental backing. These institutions should offer high-quality training, catering to the nation’s industrial demands while remaining affordable and accessible to all, irrespective of financial constraints.

Secondly, collaboration between the government and regional stakeholders is paramount. Together, they must formulate and implement updated policies governing VET systems. These policies should encompass standardised curricula, training programmes, facility standards, and accreditation processes, ensuring rigorous monitoring and adherence. Furthermore, fostering partnerships between government bodies, industry players, and business organisations is imperative. Aligning curriculum and training programmes with current and future workforce needs via tailored training, internships, and apprenticeships enhances graduates’ employability and industry relevance.

Thirdly, in supplementary to traditional VET, it’s crucial to integrate emerging technologies into the educational landscape. Investing in cutting-edge tools like virtual reality and Artificial Intelligence amplifies the learning experience, fostering innovation and creativity among students. Financial aid and scholarships are vital tools to make VET more accessible, especially for students from low-income backgrounds. 

Maximising these resources would democratise access to quality vocational education. Integration of vocational education at primary and secondary education levels is paramount. It should become an intrinsic part of the broader curriculum, moving beyond the limited scope currently offered by a few schools.

Fourthly, I am encouraging VET students to put more effort in their studies, not only to pass their modules but also mostly to contribute to the creation of job opportunities to meet the government halfway. They should aim not only for local job prospects but also consider international employment possibilities, recognising the global nature of the job market.

Finally, raising awareness and emphasising the significance of VET among stakeholders: government bodies, education officials, school administrators, parents, and students is crucial. This concerted effort is pivotal for Namibia to realise its Vision 2030 of becoming a prosperous and industrialised nation, fuelled by its skilled human resources.    

*Immanuel Nghitotelwa Nakambale is an author and researcher.