Swakopmund:The Namibia Training Authority (NTA) has emphasized the need for training institutions to evaluate vocational training based on graduates' ability to meet industry requirements, secure employment, and establish businesses, rather than focusing solely on enrolment and graduation statistics.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Sackeus Pohamba, NTA's Senior Manager for Corporate Strategy and Organisational Performance Management, stated at a stakeholder engagement in Swakopmund that Namibia's economic goals necessitate a skills development system prioritizing practical competence, innovation, economic diversification, and youth empowerment.

He stressed the importance of vocational training aligning with customer needs, household service requirements, and employer standards, equipping graduates to tackle business and community challenges effectively. Pohamba noted that a qualification does not automatically ensure employment or a customer base for self-employment, stressing the need for skills to meet demand.

Pohamba also highlighted the role of community skills development centers in offering alternative education paths for those unable to pursue conventional academics, emphasizing the critical nature of technical skills in economic growth and participation in emerging industries.

Community Skills Development Foundation (COSDEF) Training Manager Penehafo Kaulinge supported the call for stronger collaboration between training providers and industry. She underlined the importance of preparing learners for evolving workplace demands and future enterprise opportunities, noting that skills are valuable only when applied effectively in workplaces and business development.

Kaulinge advocated for enhanced support for trainers through industry visits and professional development to ensure training remains relevant to current workplace technologies and standards.