Lahja Nashuuta OUTAPI-Nakayale Vocational Training Centre (VTC) is strengthening its contribution to Namibia’s skills development agenda by equipping young people with practical skills, workplace experience and opportunities to compete on national and international platforms. According to Evi-Lydia Katshuna, Liaison Officer, the centre has grown significantly since its establishment in 2011 and now offers 35 accredited... The post Nakayale VTC emerges as a skills development powerhouse appeared
Lahja Nashuuta
OUTAPI-Nakayale Vocational Training Centre (VTC) is strengthening its contribution to Namibia’s skills development agenda by equipping young people with practical skills, workplace experience and opportunities to compete on national and international platforms.
According to Evi-Lydia Katshuna, Liaison Officer, the centre has grown significantly since its establishment in 2011 and now offers 35 accredited qualifications across 11 trade areas.
The centre currently has 756 trainees, comprising 471 females and 285 males, with trainees drawn from all 14 regions of Namibia.
Katshuna said the institution’s growing enrolment, particularly among young women, demonstrates the increasing interest in technical and vocational education and training.
“The high proportion of female enrolment reflects the Centre’s success in attracting and retaining young women in technical and vocational training, including in trades where female participation has traditionally been low,” she said.
Among the programmes offered are Hospitality and Tourism, Office Administration, Financial Services, Wholesale and Retail, Electrical General, Electrical Engineering (Electronics), Civil and Building Construction Management, Information and Communication Technology, Transport and Logistics, Welding and Metal Fabrication, and Clothing Production.
Apprenticeships bridge training and the workplace
Katshuna said apprenticeship training is another important component of the centre’s skills development efforts.
She explained that apprentices combine institutional training with structured workplace learning, allowing them to develop practical skills while gaining experience in real working environments.
“Structured workplace learning is combined with institutional training, enabling apprentices to acquire practical skills in real work environments under the guidance of experienced supervisors while working towards nationally recognised qualifications,” Katshuna said.
She encouraged employers and industry partners to partner with the centre by providing workplace opportunities for apprentices.
“Employers and industry partners interested in participating are encouraged to contact the Centre, as various funding mechanisms and incentives are made available by the Namibia Training Authority,” she said.
Nakayale making its mark at WorldSkills
The centre has also distinguished itself through national and international skills competitions.
Katshuna said Nakayale first participated in the National Skills Competition in 2016, marking the beginning of a journey that has seen its trainees earn medals and international recognition.
In 2017, Kaute Kavezembua won the Best of Nation Award in Cooking at the 44th WorldSkills Competition in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
In 2023, Morgan Shaumbwa won a gold medal in Electrical Installations at the National Skills Competition in Ongwediva. Puliselia Wilhelm won silver in Restaurant Services, while Rauha Oskar received a Medallion of Excellence in the same category.
Nakayale continued its strong performance in 2025, with Sakeus Iifo winning a silver medal in Cooking and Rauha Oskar securing bronze in Restaurant Services.
“Our participation in these competitions gives our trainees an opportunity to demonstrate their skills, gain confidence and measure themselves against some of the best young skilled people in the country and internationally,” Katshuna said.
Three trainees set for Shanghai
The centre’s skills journey will continue in September, when three Nakayale trainees join Team Namibia at the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, China.
The competition will take place from 22 to 27 September 2026, with the three trainees competing in different categories.
Abel Ashimbanga will compete in Electrical Installations, Sakeus Iifo in Cooking, while Bevin Kabuwanwa will compete in Web Technologies.
They are among the 17 Namibian competitors selected to represent the country at the international competition.
Katshuna said the selection of three Nakayale trainees is a significant achievement for the centre and demonstrates the quality of training being provided.
“Having three competitors selected for Team Namibia is a great achievement for Nakayale Vocational Training Centre. It shows that our trainees have the skills and determination to compete at an international level,” she said.
More courses coming in 2027
Nakayale is also set to expand its training programmes from 2027, following approval for an expansion of its scope.
The new qualifications will include Agriculture, Firefighting and Emergency Response, Instrumentation and Facility Maintenance.
Katshuna said the additional programmes will create more opportunities for young Namibians while responding to changing skills requirements.
“The expansion of our scope will allow us to provide training in additional areas that are important to the economy and the country’s development,” she said.
Located about three kilometres from Outapi along the Oshakati-Ruacana Main Road, Nakayale VTC forms part of the NEV TVET Hub, together with Eenhana and Valombola vocational training centres.
Although located in Omusati, the centre operates nationally and enrols trainees from all 14 regions.
Katshuna said the centre’s ultimate goal is to produce skilled graduates who can secure employment, start businesses and contribute meaningfully to Namibia’s economy.
“Our responsibility is not only to train people for employment, but also to foster entrepreneurial attitudes and contribute to a knowledge-based economy,” she said.
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