Paving the way for TVET growth
Approximately 200 key stakeholders from government, industry, academia, and training institutions, gathered in Windhoek for a symposium to discuss the future of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Held under the theme “TVET Transformation Trends in Namibia,” the symposium, under the auspices of NUST and the GIZ, focused on modernisation, inclusivity, sustainability, and collaboration.
Discussions centred around aligning the field with Namibia’s socio-economic development goals, addressing challenges in implementing the 2021 Revised TVET Policy. NUST senior lecturer in TVET, Dr Godfrey Tubaundule, emphasised the dangers of focusing solely on short-term economic outcomes at the expense of long-term societal benefits during his keynote address. “The systematic issues within the sector persist despite the legal and policy frameworks in place. Graduate unemployment remains a significant challenge, with many graduates unable to secure meaningful work in their fields of study,” he said. He further noted that prioritising labour market demands often results in graduates who are “inadequately prepared for sustainable livelihoods and meaningful contributions to society.”
The Deputy Director for TVET at the Ministry of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation, Mr Abraham Ndakolute, said: “From a policy perspective, the government is doing its part; [however], the interpretation and implementation of the policy objectives on the ground are different. The willingness to embrace the policy [to build the TVET ecosystem in Namibia] is a challenge”. He further encouraged stakeholders to analyse and explore the policy objectives to ensure effective implementation.
Furthermore, the symposium featured impactful discussions on governance, curriculum development, and the role of green skills in preparing the workforce for Namibia’s emerging green hydrogen industry. Outcomes from the event will include a comprehensive report documenting the discussions, insights, and recommendations shared by participants. This report will guide future reforms, emphasising institutional collaboration, governance improvements, and accreditation to enhance the quality and credibility of Namibia’s TVET sector.
