Driving Excellence Through Skills: Reflections on the 2025 National Skills Competition

Katherine Newaka -TVET Advocacy Specialist (NTA)

The National Skills Competition (NSC) has become a flagship event in Namibia’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) calendar, celebrating the nation’s most talented young artisans and professionals. Organised by the Namibia Training Authority (NTA) through WorldSkills Namibia, the 4th National Skills Competition, held in Swakopmund from 22–27 September 2025, once again demonstrated how skills development can transform lives, communities, and industries.

How would you describe the overall success of this year’s National Skills Competition?

The 4th National Skills Competition (NSCS) was an outstanding success, both in execution and impact. This year’s event not only showcased the exceptional talent emerging from our TVET institutions but also reinforced the relevance of technical and vocational careers to national development.

What was the turnout like in terms of both participants and spectators?

This year’s competition attracted 40 institutions, represented by 179 competitors and 144 experts, marking one of the largest gatherings in our skills competition history. The turnout from the public was equally impressive, with schools, parents, and communities engaging enthusiastically throughout the week. The hospitality sector drew exceptional attention, particularly in restaurant service and culinary arts.

Which skill categories had the highest participation or interest from the youth?

Youth participation was particularly strong in technology-driven and hands-on trades such as mechatronics, automotive technology, mechanical engineering CAD and information technology. As mentioned previously, the restaurant service and culinary arts attracted remarkable attention and drew interactive experiences for members of the public to dine and be served as part of the competition.

What challenges did you face in organizing the competition, and how did you overcome them?

Coordinating a national event of this magnitude inevitably comes with logistical, operational, and resource-related challenges. However, with good planning, we strategically leveraged a significant portion of our in-house expertise from the Vocational Training Centres. This approach not only allowed us to effectively demonstrate the breadth and depth of Namibia’s TVET capabilities but also enabled us to manage and contain operational costs. At the same time, it provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen capacity from within, fostering skills development, knowledge transfer, and institutional resilience across internally and partners.

How do you think this year’s competition has contributed to changing perceptions about TVET careers?

Public perception of TVET is steadily evolving, and this year’s National Skills Competition has further accelerated that shift. The professionalism, innovation, and confidence demonstrated by our competitors directly challenged outdated stereotypes about vocational education. We are grateful for the continued support form government, industry, parents, and training providers, whose collective efforts elevate the profile and value of TVET as a first-choice career pathway.

Where there any new trades or skills introduced in this year’s competition compared to previous years?

Yes, this year’s edition featured a total of 16 trades, including two new and emerging disciplines carefully selected to align with Namibia’s evolving economic and technological priorities, while remaining cognisant of global trends. By incorporating categories that reflect contemporary industry needs, the competition maintains its relevance and forward-looking orientation, ensuring that our youth are equipped with the competencies required to thrive in a dynamic and increasingly competitive labour market.

How does the NSC prepare participants for international platforms such as WorldSkills competitions?

The National Skills Competition serves as a critical preparatory platform for international competitions such as WorldSkills. It immerses participants in an environment that mirrors global standards, including assessment protocols, tools, and performance pressures. Beyond technical proficiency, competitors develop essential soft skills such as time management, teamwork, and innovation, qualities indispensable for success on the international stage. The Namibia Training Authority (NTA) provides technical preparation, while strategic partners are encouraged to support and even accompany the national team to the WorldSkills Competition 2026 as Observers, at their own cost, further enhancing collaborative capacity and experience.

What feedback have you received from industry stakeholders and employers about the event?

Feedback from industry stakeholders and employers has been overwhelmingly positive. Partners commend the calibre of talent showcased and recognise the competition’s role in aligning TVET training with real-world industry demands. Many have expressed interest in deeper collaboration, through apprenticeships, mentorship, and curriculum input. to ensure that TVET continues to produce job-ready graduates.

Closing Thoughts

‘’The National Skills Competition is more than just an event, it’s a national movement. The success of the 4th edition, held under the theme ‘Elevating the Quality and Impact of Namibia’s TVET Delivery Model,’ speaks to our collective determination to look inward and take ownership of our development journey.

Through the support of government, industry, and parents, we are redefining the value of skills and building a Namibia that is capable, competitive, and inclusive. Every competitor, expert, and partner contributed to a shared vision, a better Namibia powered by skills excellence,” Katrina Newaka.