KEETMANSHOOP – The Keetmanshoop Vocational Training Center (KVTC) officially opened its doors yesterday.

The institution aims to cater predominantly for qualifying trainees from the //Kharas and Hardap regions.

A total of 138 students started with their vocational training yesterday in the fields of water supply, sanitation and desalination; mechanical engineering; solar installation and maintenance; electrical engineering; information communication and technology; welding and metal fabrication; logistics and supply management and occupational health and safety.

Delivering his address, //Kharas governor Dawid Gertze could not hide his appreciation.

“This state-of-the-art facility, equipped with all the necessary machinery, marks a historical crossroad for our region as it infuses a birth long held by the government,” he said.He then encouraged the youth to capitalise on this remarkable investment by the government. 

The regional political head further urged them to align themselves with the requirement for the upcoming economic development in the south, including the emerging energy sector (oil, gas and green hydrogen). 

In the remarks read on his behalf, //Kharas Regional Council chairperson Gerrit Witbooi said he hopes not to see any trainee dropout.

In his remarks, centre manager Benedictus Diergarrdt advised trainees to be committed, hard-working and focused and to further take their future very seriously. New Era also interviewed Merlon Binga (21), who enrolled for the mechanical engineering trade.

Binga is excited to be accepted amongst many other applicants and that he will make the best of the opportunity to empower himself. “I am planning to first enter the labour market after finishing my vocational training and then definitely start my own business to employ my peers who are looking for jobs,’’ he emphasised.

– sklukowski@nepc.com.na