The Namibia Training Authority (NTA) says it is in the process of upgrading four state-owned vocational training centres (VTCs) to technical vocational education and training (TVET) colleges.
NTA CEO Erick Fundula Nenghwanya said the planned upgrade aims to fill the gap left by the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) when it ascended to university status and to respond to the skills demand for emerging industries.
“Upgrading the existing institutions can play a crucial role in addressing skill gaps in the economy by providing training in high-demand areas. In addition, the promotion of TVET in Namibia is supported by several policy documents which challenge the country to implement an efficient and effective TVET system that can equip the youth with the necessary skills required to enter the labor market,†Nenghwanya said.
He said the upgrade process will involve enhancing the capacity of the VTCs to accommodate more students, improving the quality of TVET programs, and developing technical teacher training capabilities.
“The transition of VTCs to colleges can afford students a wide range of courses and specializations, catering to various industries, and offer advanced diplomas or even degrees in vocational and technical fields, providing students with more opportunities for academic and professional advancement,†NTA CEO said.
“Primarily, the analysis will focus on identifying major strengths and related weaknesses that exist in the Namibian TVET sector and institutions, as well as opportunities and potential factors that can be leveraged to reach strategic objectives and specific development goals.â€
Additionally, the NTA plans to enhance the management capacity and efficiency of the TVET system, ensuring that it operates effectively and meets the needs of both students and industry.
“Therefore, the proposed TVET center upgrade is a major undertaking for the NTA, as it intends to grow both in terms of quantity (staff and students) and quality (curriculum upgrade and infrastructure). The negative impact of space constraints has been evident, affecting student enrollment due to the lack of dedicated and purpose-fitted workshops, laboratories, and other workspaces needed for an effective and efficient TVET sector ecosystem,†he said.
The Namibia Training Authority (NTA) was created by the VET Act in 2008 to advise the government on vocational training.
While the Act primarily focuses on the regulation of vocational education and training institutions, it also provides a framework for the upgrading of Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) to technical colleges.
The Act is responsible for funding and regulating the vocational education and training sector in the country, as well as advising the Minister on TVET-related matters.
