The Namibia Training Authority (NTA) under its Work Integrated Learning (WIL) division held its first-ever National Apprenticeship Week at the Nust Hotel School last week.
Apprenticeship is a time-tested channel that provides young people with opportunities to enter high-value work-based learning.
The initiative was aimed at promoting apprenticeships in Namibia, highlighting the significance that apprenticeships have for the economy, society and business.
WIL manager Daliya Mwiya said the event was for all businesses and organisations that saw potential in an apprenticeship or wanted more information. “The week sought to celebrate apprenticeship champions and further grow knowledge on this particular programme in underlining the NTA’s commitment to apprenticeship, while acknowledging the real financial trials encountered during the current Covid-19 climate,” explained Mwiya.
The NTA has been funding employers to take on apprentices in different sectors since the beginning of the pilot phase in 2018.
Apprenticeship across the globe is known to successfully transition youth from education to employment.
Mwiya emphasised that such programmes are key components in addressing labour market demands in any economy.
“In recognition of ensuring that partnership exists between the VET (Vocational Education and Training) sector and industry, the NTA adopted a work-integrated learning framework that foresees the re-introduction of the apprenticeship training scheme and the setting of standards to implement industrial attachment and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training),” she added. In a speech read on her behalf, higher education minister Itah Kandjii-Murangi said apprenticeships equip apprentices for a diverse job market.
Speaking at the same event, Miss Namibia 2021 Chelsi Shikongo highlighted the significance of apprenticeships in the creative and arts industries.
She encouraged more apprenticeships within the creative industries, and for the youth to take up apprenticeship opportunities. Cheryl James from the Skills Initiative for Africa (SIFA) spoke about the importance of creating opportunities for the youth, and how Africans can leverage policy to help make apprenticeships a success in the majority of African countries.
The initiative was held in partnership with the Namibian Employers’ Federation, German development agency (GIZ), SIFA and the NTA. - ashikololo@nepc.com.na