NTA promotes apprenticeships

The Namibia Training Authority (NTA), under its Work Integrated Learning (WIL) division, launched a four-month apprenticeship application window valid from September to 31 December for eligible employers.The apprenticeship applies to all companies and employers planning to recruit apprentices now and in 2023.This will allow employers to apply for funding for Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates.NTA has provided funding to employers to take on apprentices in different sectors since the roll-out of apprenticeships in 2019.Time-proven experienceThe NTA has spent nearly N$113.6 million on investments in apprenticeships for employers such as Namibia Breweries Limited, Homestead Academy Production Hub, Kathy Joinery, Web Steel, and Namdock for the 2022/2023 financial period.According to NTA CEO Muvatera Ndjoze-Siririka, apprenticeships have largely been missing from Namibia&#039;s post-independence TVET system, which is still predominantly based on trainees enrolling at TVET institutions."In its ongoing strategic and transformation effort, the NTA decided to bring back this time-honoured way of training for a trade or profession."Funded as part of strategic interventions under the key priority grant funding window of the vocational education and training Levy, we are gaining traction," he said.Swift processOnce the qualifying employer&#039;s application is approved, an agreement is entered into, and the employer continues with an apprentice selection and recruitment process.According to Ndjoze-Siririka, the employer, apprentice, and training institution will then sign a tripartite agreement for training to start."NTA monitors and evaluates the progress of learning and releases funding against pre-agreed performance milestones. Our governance and policy framework is proving robust."Namibian employers, big and small, and not apprentices, represent the primary target audience of our TVET apprenticeship and engagement drive," he said.Win winHe explained that this is a two-way process of consultation, collaboration, and partnership. Furthermore, ever since the 2018 pilot, NTA has been inundated with interested young people wishing to sign up as apprentices.NTA&#039;s manager of WIL, Dalia Mwiya, says NTA has been providing funding to employers to take on apprentices in different sectors since 2019."The decision to run the application period over four months underlines the NTA&#039;s commitment to apprenticeship while acknowledging the real financial challenges faced by employers as Namibia navigates its way post-Covid-19,&#039; she said.Furthermore, she said prospective employers are required to provide practical training in the identified occupations, with the required tools and equipment, and qualified mentors using their knowledge of the qualification applied for.Employers applying should have an established relationship with an accredited or registered training institution.

NTA promotes apprenticeships

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-08-27

Please login to leave a comment

NTA promotes apprenticeships

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-08-27

Please login to leave a comment

Login