Rudolf Gaiseb

Cabinet has not approved a national pathway to allow Grade 9 learners to progress directly through the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system to obtain university-level qualifications, and doctoral degrees.

The pathway has not even been considered yet, the ministry’s executive director, Erastus Haitengela, said in a statement dated on Friday.

“It’s factually incorrect,” Haitengela wrote.

 Furthermore, Haitengela said that grade 9 learners are first required to acquire foundational skills through community skills development centres such as COSDEC, KAYEC, and Youth Skills Training Centres, including Berg Aukas, Frans Dimbare, Okahao Youth Centre, and Kai //Ganaxab.

“These centres provide introductory training in technical skills, workplace safety, and hands-on exposure to different trades. Only after completing these foundational programmes would learners be considered for entry into the TVET programme,” he said.

He iterated that learners from these community skills development centres are considered based on the completion of a Grade 9 certificate, which equips them with foundational skills before admission into the TVET programme.

“Discussions on the TVET pathways are at an advanced stage,” he said.

Meanwhile, the minimum admission criteria for the TVET sector have been set as follows:

Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate Ordinary Level (NSSCO) (Grade 11) Revised Curricula or Grade 12 (Phased-Out Curricula), a learner must obtain 20 points in six subjects and an F symbol in English, Mathematics, and Science.

Physics or physical science is compulsory for technical trades.

Additionally, for students with pre-vocational subjects wishing to enrol in the same fields: for Grade 11 (NSSCO), a learner must obtain 18 points in 6 subjects and an F symbol in English, Mathematics, and Science.

And a D symbol in the respective pre-vocational subject. For consideration for the Junior Secondary Certificate, Grade 10 (phased-out curricula until 2023), a learner must obtain 23 points in 6 subjects and an E symbol in English, Mathematics, and Physical Science.

Physical Science remains compulsory for technical trades. 

Hence, a Grade 9 certificate is required for the consideration for community skills development centres.-rgaiseb@nepc.com.na