The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) and OTESA Civil Engineering (Pty) Ltd have signed a strategic partnership agreement aimed at strengthening work-integrated learning and expanding internship opportunities for students.
The Memorandum of Agreement, signed on 3 March 2026, establishes a framework for structured internship placements and broader collaboration between the university and the engineering firm.
Two NUST students have already begun their placements at OTESA, marking the start of what both institutions expect will develop into a steady pipeline of practical training opportunities. Through the programme, students will gain exposure to OTESA’s multidisciplinary operations, including civil engineering, project management, quantity surveying, health and safety, finance, procurement and human resources.
Internships will run between three and six months and will combine office-based training with on-site project exposure. The programme will be jointly supervised by OTESA professionals and NUST academic staff to ensure that students receive both practical industry experience and academic guidance.
NUST has made work-integrated learning a compulsory component of all undergraduate programmes, requiring students to complete internships before graduating. The initiative aims to equip graduates with practical skills and narrow the gap between classroom learning and industry practice.
The programme is supported by the university’s Cooperative Education Unit, which facilitates internship placements for students.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching, Learning and Technology, Professor Teresia Kaulihowa, said the partnership would help students develop professional competencies while contributing new perspectives drawn from current research and innovation.
OTESA Chief People and Culture Officer Rudolf Coetzee said the collaboration reflects the company’s commitment to developing Namibia’s future professionals.
“This partnership reflects OTESA’s strategic vision to invest in Namibia’s future professionals by providing meaningful internship opportunities and exposure to real-world projects. By collaborating with NUST, we aim to equip students with the skills and experience necessary to excel in their careers while strengthening the talent pipeline for the construction and engineering sectors,” he said.
Beyond internships, the agreement also opens opportunities for further collaboration, including joint research initiatives, participation in career fairs and ongoing engagement between academia and industry to ensure academic programmes remain aligned with labour market demands.
