Keetmanshoop: Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Sanet Steenkamp, has called on institutions of higher learning to establish targeted interventions to ensure that learners are aware of the programmes they offer. Steenkamp made the call during a visit to the Namibian Institute of Mining and Technology (NIMT) southern campus on Tuesday.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Steenkamp emphasized the need for institutions to build relationships with schools and to host career fairs and discussions, ensuring that learners are well informed. She stated that vocational training should be a deliberate choice rather than a default option for children, urging for a structured approach to engage the youth about the available programmes. The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund was also encouraged to inform learners about the funding options for various programmes.

NIMT Executive Director, Ralph Bussel, echoed the minister's sentiments, advocating for more investment in skills development. He called for a change in mindset regarding vocational training, stressing that it should be considered a primary choice for industrialisation. Bussel highlighted the need for training centres to provide quality training for both local and international markets.

During the visit, Steenkamp also toured the Keetmanshoop Vocational Training Centre (VTC), a facility built at a cost of N.dollars 127.4 million and set for inauguration later this year. Namibia Training Authority Strategic Manager, Sackeus Pohamba, revealed that the centre will offer specialised programmes in fields such as agriculture and solar installation, and is seeking partnerships with industries like oil and gas to address skills shortages.

Steenkamp is scheduled to continue her tour with visits to schools and the stadium in Karasburg on Wednesday.