The Ministry of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation (MHETI) has emphasised that vocational education can play a crucial role in curbing unemployment.
This statement was made by Dr. Itah Kandjii-Murangi during the inauguration of a task force dedicated to transforming state-owned vocational training centres into Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.
Minister Itah Kandjii-Murangi observed a moment of silence in honour of the late national icon, Founding President Sam Nujoma.
His visionary ideals, particularly as outlined in Vision 2030, she said, provided a roadmap for sustainable development and economic prosperity.
TVET provides industry-specific skills, essential for employment and economic productivity.
However, the Namibian system suffers from a gap in difficulty between Levels 4 and 6, a situation blamed for a polarised labour market and limited career progression.
Many graduates currently struggle to advance beyond Level 3, restricting access to higher-skilled, better-paid roles.
To tackle this challenge, the Ministry has developed a structured framework to guide a Project Task Force.
This team, comprising renowned experts in TVET, the labour market, industry, and research, will be responsible for developing an appropriate model for establishing specialized TVET colleges in Namibia.
The minister emphasised the importance of strengthening technical education to equip Namibians with essential skills for industrial and technological advancement.
The task force of 14 experts in various fields will oversee the transition process, ensuring that the new TVET colleges align with international standards and effectively respond to the country’s labour market needs.
Specifically, the team will define criteria for identifying and selecting suitable state-owned vocational training centres for transformation.
These centres will be upgraded to specialised TVET colleges offering training programs from NQF Level 4 to 6, in accordance with Regulation No. 7498 of the Vocational Education and Training Act, Act 1, 2008.
This task is anticipated to be completed within seven months from the start date.
