Transformation of Vocational Training Centers (VTC) into TVET Centers

 (By: Ivy Gaaitsiwe)

(Image: NBC News)

The National Vocational Education Workshop, hosted by the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC) through the Directorate of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), took place in Otjiwarongo from September 16 to 17, 2025.

This significant gathering brought together stakeholders from across Namibia to focus on strengthening technical and pre-vocational training, aligning with the country’s education and skills development agenda. The workshop served as a vital platform to discuss strategies for enhancing vocational education and ensuring its relevance to Namibia’s emerging industries.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the MEIYSAC, Hon. Sanet Steenkamp, Ms Dalia Mwiya, Directorate of TVET outlined a pivotal shift in the sector, moving from supply- driven to a demand- driven approach. “The feasibility of transforming some of the stay- home vocational training centers into ticket colleges. This will be an extensive transformative process for the sector creating a modern scope of training institutions and f illing the gap that was created with the elevation of the then Polytechnic of Namibia into a University of Science and Technology,” Mwiya noted.

Furthermore, she indicated that change aims to better address growing sectors such as oil and gas, green hydrogen, agro-processing, sports, arts and creative industries. Mwiya also highlighted the establishment of a task force to explore the feasibility of transforming state- owned VTC into full- fledged TVET colleges.

Adding that, “The divisive policy of 2021 also has clear objectives, under policy objective three, strategy one, it looks at the harmonizations and creation of linkages between pre vocational and TVET,” Mwiya.

The workshop featured presentations from regional directors and VTC managers, who provided an overview of the current state of vocational education in their respective regions. Some of the reports presented underscored both progress and challenges, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration to expand vocational training opportunities.

 Ms. Mwiya further highlighted the importance of aligning vocational training with Namibia’s economic needs, as outlined in the revised TVET Policy of 2021. The policy calls for greater synergy between pre vocational education which is offered at 60 Secondary schools across the country and vocational training centers. The workshop demonstrated that vocational training, particularly through VTC’s, plays an essential role in shaping Namibia’s future workforce and economic development.

Vocational Training Centres in Namibia offer a wide range of industry relevant courses designed to equip learners with practical skills for both traditional and emerging sectors. Core programmes include Automotive Mechanics, Welding and Fabrication, Plumbing and Pipefitting, Electrical General, Bricklaying and Plastering, Joinery and Cabinet Making, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration. In response to evolving market demands, VTCs have also introduced specialized courses in Renewable Energy Technology (including solar and green hydrogen), Agro-processing, ICT and Computer Systems, Fashion Design and Tailoring, Hospitality and Tourism, Sports Management and Creative Arts.

These courses are structured to combine technical training with entrepreneurship and workplace readiness, ensuring that graduates are not only employable but also capable of starting their own ventures or contributing meaningfully to Namibia’s key growth industries. The history of VTC’s in Namibia dates back to early years after independence, with a focus on equipping the workplace with practical, industry relevant skills. Since then, the VTC’s have grown in scope, adapting to the needs of a changing economy. Today VTC’s play a critical role in providing specialized skills for emerging sectors and continue to evolve to meet the demands of modern industries.

The ongoing reforms promise to further enhance the capacity of VTC’s, ensuring they remain at the forefront of Namibia’s vocational education landscape. As Namibia prepares for a future shaped by innovation, technology and sustainability, the continued evolution of VTCs will be critical in building a skilled, adaptable and empowered workforce ready to drive national growth and transformation.