Equipping young VTC trainees
Creating a platform for Namibian graduates Neville Bessinger, owner and founder of Creative Welding, believes in providing opportunities for graduates who studied at vocational training centres to gain working experience.
Tunohole Mungoba
According to owner and founder, Neville Bessinger, although they face various challenges like a lack of space and equipment, they continue to ensure no one is left out. “For vocational students, it is not the same as students who study theoretical subjects. With vocational training, it is important that they are provided with practical work and it is possible to gain experience at my workshop,” he said.
The business takes in trainees from the Windhoek Vocational Training Centre (VTC), the Namibian Institute of Mining and Technology (NIMT), and VTCs in Okakarara, Katima Mulilo and Ongopolo. Located in Prosperita in Windhoek, the business has received financial assistance in the form of rental monies for the past 12 months from the ministry of trade and industry. “This enabled us to expand our operations in many way, such as additional equipment and material was procured and more vocational skills trainees could be accommodated to practice their theory in a safe and fully-equipped environment with proper supervision,” explained Bessinger.
Timo Kapuku, a boilermaker at the company started off as a graduate trainee in 2013 and was employed fulltime in 2014. “Creative Welding has provided me with an opportunity to perfect my skills and this made me a valuable asset to the company. I have truly learned a lot from this company and I am always grateful for this chance,” said the 32-year-old.
In 2013, trade permanent secretary Gabriel Sinimbo had discussions with Bessinger on coming up with future financial support interventions. “The discussions also involved looking at opportunities to assist the company obtaining land from the ministry to construct their own workshop premises.”
Established in 2011 with only five staff members, the company currently has over 60 years of combined technical knowledge and skills. “To date, we employ 15 people mainly in the trades of boilermaking and spray painting.” Bessinger, a qualified boilermaker and welder established his business after obtaining his N3 level qualification.
The Creative Welding apprenticeship runs for six months, starting from January to June. The next intake will begin July. The company believes in the social responsibility of enhancing the livelihoods of previously disadvantaged people through permanent employment. Aina Amagora, 25, did her internship since January and completed it recently. “I am studying to become a welder at the Marcopolo Training Centre and I have learned so much at Creative Welding. Everyone was very cooperative and willing to share their knowledge,” she said.
One of the few women in this male-dominated industry, Amagora hopes to become a fully qualified artisan in future and she looks forward to working with the company again.
Bessinger lists his late father as his inspiration, as he developed and acquired immense knowledge from him. “I grew up in my father’s workshop and my father was very strict. He paid close attention to each and every detail,” he said.
According to Bessinger, his father was one of the most experienced boilermakers during his era and he explains to The Zone that he inspired him to become a boilermaker. Bessinger advises young people to make sure they reach for their dreams and that nothing should hold them back.
“I want them to see me as an example because I am 43 years old and at the age of 37, I decided to pursue this journey. My message to young people is to work very hard and they should always be dedicated to reach their goals.
According to owner and founder, Neville Bessinger, although they face various challenges like a lack of space and equipment, they continue to ensure no one is left out. “For vocational students, it is not the same as students who study theoretical subjects. With vocational training, it is important that they are provided with practical work and it is possible to gain experience at my workshop,” he said.
The business takes in trainees from the Windhoek Vocational Training Centre (VTC), the Namibian Institute of Mining and Technology (NIMT), and VTCs in Okakarara, Katima Mulilo and Ongopolo. Located in Prosperita in Windhoek, the business has received financial assistance in the form of rental monies for the past 12 months from the ministry of trade and industry. “This enabled us to expand our operations in many way, such as additional equipment and material was procured and more vocational skills trainees could be accommodated to practice their theory in a safe and fully-equipped environment with proper supervision,” explained Bessinger.
Timo Kapuku, a boilermaker at the company started off as a graduate trainee in 2013 and was employed fulltime in 2014. “Creative Welding has provided me with an opportunity to perfect my skills and this made me a valuable asset to the company. I have truly learned a lot from this company and I am always grateful for this chance,” said the 32-year-old.
In 2013, trade permanent secretary Gabriel Sinimbo had discussions with Bessinger on coming up with future financial support interventions. “The discussions also involved looking at opportunities to assist the company obtaining land from the ministry to construct their own workshop premises.”
Established in 2011 with only five staff members, the company currently has over 60 years of combined technical knowledge and skills. “To date, we employ 15 people mainly in the trades of boilermaking and spray painting.” Bessinger, a qualified boilermaker and welder established his business after obtaining his N3 level qualification.
The Creative Welding apprenticeship runs for six months, starting from January to June. The next intake will begin July. The company believes in the social responsibility of enhancing the livelihoods of previously disadvantaged people through permanent employment. Aina Amagora, 25, did her internship since January and completed it recently. “I am studying to become a welder at the Marcopolo Training Centre and I have learned so much at Creative Welding. Everyone was very cooperative and willing to share their knowledge,” she said.
One of the few women in this male-dominated industry, Amagora hopes to become a fully qualified artisan in future and she looks forward to working with the company again.
Bessinger lists his late father as his inspiration, as he developed and acquired immense knowledge from him. “I grew up in my father’s workshop and my father was very strict. He paid close attention to each and every detail,” he said.
According to Bessinger, his father was one of the most experienced boilermakers during his era and he explains to The Zone that he inspired him to become a boilermaker. Bessinger advises young people to make sure they reach for their dreams and that nothing should hold them back.
“I want them to see me as an example because I am 43 years old and at the age of 37, I decided to pursue this journey. My message to young people is to work very hard and they should always be dedicated to reach their goals.
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