Staff Reporter
MORE than ten years after the groundbreaking ceremony, the Keetmanshoop Vocational Training Centre has officially been inaugurated, making the //Kharas Region the 12th region to have its own government vocational training centre.
“Government has committed and resolved to construct Vocational Training Centres in all 14 regions of Namibia, as part of the national TVET sector transformation and expansion strategy. Therefore, today the //Kharas Region becomes the twelfth region to host its own government Vocational Training Centre,” Vice President Lucia Witbooi said while speaking at the launch of the centre.
The project dates back to its groundbreaking in 2016. An amount of N$11.7 million was allocated for Phase 1 of the project, while a further N$103 million has been committed towards Phase 1B construction.
Photos: Vice President of Namibia
“The establishment of Keetmanshoop Vocational Training Centre is well positioned to expand access to quality and equitable training opportunities for the people of the //Kharas Region and beyond. Its establishment stands as a testament that our government remains firmly committed to building a vibrant and responsive national TVET sector. It also underscores the value we place on developing technical and vocational skills as a cornerstone of national development,” Witbooi said.
The facility includes 14 classrooms, four workshops, and a hostel accommodating 140 students and 212 trainees. Training programmes offered include water supply and sanitation, solar equipment installation, electrical engineering, logistics and supply chain management, and information and communication technology.
“By 2030, the TVET sector aims to strengthen its responsiveness to labour market demands by increasing the proportion of graduates whose skills are aligned with industry needs from 65% to 70%. Therefore, institutions such as the Keetmanshoop Vocational Training Centre will play a critical role in promoting the national target by equipping our youth with practical, industry-relevant competencies required in emerging sectors, such as green hydrogen, oil and gas, and modern agriculture. Moreover, the Technical and Vocational Education and Training is also a powerful vehicle for promoting social equity, inclusion, and sustainable development,” Witbooi added.
She further noted that the project falls under the Human Development and Community Resilience Pillar of the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), specifically within the Education for Development focus area.
“Our Sixth National Development Plan outlines the transformation of Namibia’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training sector which, remains a national priority. It emphasizes strengthening governance, improving the quality and relevance of training, expanding access and equity, and deepening collaboration between training institutions and industry. These efforts are aimed at ensuring that our training system produces graduates whose skills respond directly to the needs of our economy,” Witbooi added.
