MORE WOMEN IN NAMIBIA PURSUING TVET

The government’s efforts to support women’s participation in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and occupations appears to be having an impact.

The number of women in the technical and vocational fields in Namibia is still low, in part due to the negative stereotype that TVET is meant for men. However, there are signs that women are leading the charge, with many aspiring for TVET occupations.

Last Friday, 420 trainees were conferred with various national certificates after completing training at the Windhoek Vocational Training Centre. They were part of over 963 trainees who successfully completed their training at WVTC during the period June 2019 to June 2023.

The Ministry of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation Deputy Executive Director, Raimo Naanda said that 36.8 per cent of the graduates are female trainees, while 63.2 per cent are male trainees.

“These statistics signify an increase in the number of female trainees in the TVET programmes and in particular, in the previously perceived occupations for males,” Naanda said during the graduation ceremony.

Victoria Ndapona, who studied plumbing and pipefitting, said it is encouraging that young women are entering TVET.

“I think it is important that women are going into training and vocational fields. For a long time, men have been the only ones who could do technical work like plumbing, but I am testimony that we women can also do this type of work,” Ndapona said.

She also applauded the government for promoting TVET, noting that it gives young women valuable employment skills.

“My advice, especially to young women, is to only think of going to university. That is not the only way to succeed in life. Try vocational training, and you will make it your life,” she said.

Alma Hamundjebo, who graduated in auto mechanics, said her fellow women needed to ignore the misconception that some careers in the technical and vocational fields are only suited for men.

“I chose auto mechanics because I know I am capable. But many women are not going for these types of courses due to the wrong perception that auto mechanics is a job for men,” Hamundjebo said.

“I have acquired essential skills that I can use to survive, especially with the high unemployment rate in Namibia. I can overhaul the engine and do other things that many women think they are not capable of doing,” she added.

Hamundjebo, who is from Odombe in the Ohangwena Region, also advises young women to consider TVET.

“As we know now, university graduates like teachers are without jobs. So I am encouraging all ladies to choose vocational education because it will help them in the future. In the absence of jobs, you can open up a workshop and start working for yourself – be your own boss,” she said.

Naanda, who was the guest speaker at the graduation ceremony, implored the graduates to test their new skills and qualifications to improve themselves and the country.

“Most importantly, I would like to implore you to consider becoming self-employed. Youth unemployment is a serious challenge in our country, and it is my sincere appeal to you to consider starting your own enterprises, becoming entrepreneurs and employing others, or even coming together and joining forces.”

“Employment opportunities are very slim in our economy, and it will be sad for some of you to join the group of unemployed graduates while you possess skills to make a difference. My advice to you is to start small and showcase the skills, knowledge and competencies you possess in your neighbourhoods,” he continued.

The Windhoek Vocational Training Centre offers courses in various technical fields including plumbing and pipefitting, joinery and cabinetmaking, bricklaying and plastering, welding, boilermaking, auto mechanic, fitter and turner, electronics, electrical, as well air-conditioning and refrigeration and office administration.

The centre has introduced new programmes this year, including automotive mechatronics engineering that is replacing the auto mechanic programme, which was discontinued as a qualification due to changing technologies in the respective occupational area, according to Naanda.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency