NUST Seals the Deal with OTESA Civil Engineering
From lecture halls to live project sites, NUST students are now experiencing first-hand the realities of professional practice. Two students have already begun placements at OTESA Civil Engineering (Pty) Ltd, marking the start of a strategic partnership formalised through a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on 03 March 2026 in Windhoek. The agreement aims to expand Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and structured internship opportunities, equipping students with practical skills, industry exposure, and professional insights across multiple disciplines.
Bridging Theory and Practice
The MoA enables students from multiple faculties to engage in OTESA’s multidisciplinary environment, spanning civil engineering, project management, quantity surveying, health and safety, finance, procurement, and human resources. Placements will run three to six months, alternating between office-based learning and on-site training, with oversight from both OTESA supervisors and NUST lecturers.
Industry Exposure and Comprehensive Training
Rudolf Coetzee, Chief People and Culture Officer at OTESA, said "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".
Sethu Kalili, Acting Chief Commercial and Technical Officer at OTESA, added "Our interns gain a blend of theoretical understanding and practical exposure, preparing them for a clear career pathway from graduate engineer to senior leadership within OTESA".
Mutual Benefits for Students and Industry
Prof Teresia Kaulihowa, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching, Learning and Technology at NUST, emphasised the collaboration’s value "Through this partnership, our students will refine professional competencies while contributing fresh perspectives grounded in current research and innovation. NUST strengthens curriculum relevance and graduate employability, and OTESA gains early access to emerging talent and structured collaboration with the University".
Beyond placements, the MoA facilitates joint research, career fair participation, and continuous engagement to ensure academic programmes align with industry needs. By combining structured guidance with hands-on experience, this partnership sets a benchmark for preparing Namibia’s workforce to meet the demands of the modern professional environment.
The University has a dedicated award-winning Corporative Education Unit that facilitates internship placements for students.
