Industry, Energy and the Future: The ITB is developing a mechatronics training programme for Namibia
The Institute of Technology and Education (ITB) is driving forward the modernisation of vocational education and training in Namibia. The aim is to establish a new national qualification in the field of industrial mechatronics within the country’s CBET training system.
First the standard, then the qualification
In an increasingly digitalised economy, industrial progress is often hampered by a shortage of highly qualified specialists. The ITB addresses this challenge through a holistic and systemic transfer approach that links international benchmarks with local practice – whilst focusing specifically on the requirements of green energy and sustainable future technologies:
International benchmarks as a foundation: The unit standards for the mechatronics vocational profile developed by the ITB have been closely aligned with the tried-and-tested standards and training concepts from South Africa and Germany through an international benchmarking process. The result is a curriculum that meets global standards whilst being tailored to Namibia’s needs. This vocational profile, which is essential for industrial progress and the expansion of renewable energy, did not previously exist in Namibia. Mechatronics training forms the technical backbone that will enable the country to independently operate and maintain complex wind power, solar and hydrogen plants in the future.
Integration into the system: Successful implementation relies on close cooperation with key national partner institutions. Together with the Namibia Training Authority (NTA), the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA), the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) and local companies, the project is being established right at the heart of the Namibian education system.
Development of teaching expertise: Modern curricula only come into their own when delivered by qualified staff. Through innovative ‘train-the-trainer’ programmes on site at Namibian vocational training centres (VTCs), teachers are learning practical, work-process-based teaching methods to impart to trainees both the fundamentals of mechanical and electronic engineering and the know-how required for green energy systems.
The nationwide roll-out will take a few more years, but the first steps have been taken.
The added value
This project impressively demonstrates how scientific findings from vocational training research in Bremen are having a lasting impact on global development cooperation. Through the close integration of international expertise and national institutions, young people in Namibia are gaining access to future-oriented skilled trades training. This knowledge transfer thus lays the foundation for technological innovations in the field of green technologies and opens up genuine, long-term opportunities for graduates in a modern and environmentally sustainable labour market.
Michael Gessler & Jan Naumann