Headspring Investments, the Namibia Institute of Mining and Technology (NIMT) and K Neumayer Civil Contractors have teamed up to train and employ 20 youth from Leonardville, Namibia.
The project, which was launched in 2024, selected 20 young individuals from Leonardville for a special six-months training course in a range of technical vocations.
NIMT, known for its expertise in technical education, identified and mentored the youth, while Headspring Investments financed the full cost of their training.
After completing their training, 16 of the 20 trainees secured six-month job attachments with K Neumayer Civil Contractors in Swakopmund.
This presents a unique opportunity for the young trainees to gain valuable on-the-job experience in their chosen fields, further enhancing their skills.
The trainees were able to select their own courses, which resulted in four participants specialising in carpentry, four in fitter and turner, four in boilermaking/welding and eight in plumbing.
At the construction site of K Neumayer Civil Contractors, the trainees will put their technical knowledge into practice, contributing to the company’s ongoing projects while acquiring real-world experience in the industry.
The director of Headspring Investments, Kirill Egorov-Kirillov, highlighted the fact that the company stays dedicated towards the upliftment of the communities in which it operates even though the project has been stopped since 2021.
“I urge all the stakeholders of our project to see past their own prejudices and allow the project to continue. Imagine what benefits it could bring to the area without endangering anyone’s existence should the mine become a reality. As for the trainees, we wish them the best of luck for their journey ahead and commend them for their exemplary conduct during their training. We look forward to welcoming them to the mine once we can start the mine,” he said.
Bokkie Thorburn of K Neumayer Civil Contractors said the company has always been open to trainees so that they can help to upskill workers.
The higher a technician is qualified, the better his financial future.
He or she is then able to support a family.
“It just makes sense for companies in the construction industry and other industries where technical people are required to invest in the development of technicians. I commend Headspring Investments for this initiative. I wish the company and this specific project much success,” he said. Ralph Bussel, director of NIMT, said initiatives like this not only help young people to get a start in life but it also helps NIMT to achieve sustainability.
“We are proud of our track record of producing excellent technicians. We are fortunate that we have the opportunity to lay the foundation of young people’s careers. I wish them, Headspring Investments and K Neumayer Civil Contractors all success for the future,” he stated.
One of the trainees Maria Afrikaner said they are now well set to follow careers in their chosen fields.
“To come from a small village like Leonardville and be exposed to so many new things and learn is really exciting. We cannot thank Headspring Investments, NIMT and K Neumayer Civil Contractors enough for the doors they have opened for us,” she said.
-pmukokobi@nepc.com.na