A new dawn sets for vocational training in the South

The state-of-the-art Keetmanshoop Vocational Training Centre (KVTC), built for N$103 million with funding from the African Development Bank, is set to welcome its first students in January 2026.


Centre manager Benendictus Diergaardt confirmed that the infrastructure is largely complete. “Phase 1A included underground services such as sewer and water lines, while Phase 1B saw the construction of the buildings. The hostel can house around 140 students, giving space to those from smaller towns in the area. We also now have an administration block and four workshops for practicals, with 14 classrooms for theory,” he explained.


Future expansion will include another six workshops, an additional hostel block, and sports facilities. Recruitment of trainers and administrative staff is already underway, with application forms for prospective students to follow. “We plan to start operations by January 2026. A marketing team will also travel across the region to encourage young people to apply,” Diergaardt said. He called on young people from the //Kharas and Hardap regions to seize the opportunity. “This facility is on your doorstep, so there are no excuses. KVTC must play a huge role in the upliftment of our people. While preference will be given to local students, the centre will also be open to applicants from across Namibia.” The project aligns with Vision 2030, the Harambee Prosperity Plan II, National Development Plan 6, and the NTA’s strategic framework. “Our goal is to train students for the job market. We are working closely with industry stakeholders, including Hyphen and partners in oil and gas, to ensure graduates are employable and industry-ready,” he added.


Industry-focused training - KVTC will deliver specialised TVET programmes to meet the demands of emerging sectors. “We are preparing for a sustainable industrial economy. Training will focus on oil and gas, green hydrogen, renewable energy technologies, and modern agriculture,” Diergaardt explained. Agricultural training will include crop production, farm management and animal husbandry, designed to support projects such as the Neckartal Dam. “This will enable young people to contribute directly to agricultural productivity and job creation in the region,” he said. The centre also aims to train youth for large-scale projects such as Hyphen’s green hydrogen development, which is expected to employ around 15 000 people during construction. “The oil and gas sector will require specialised skills such as coated welding and rigging, and we want our young people to be ready,” he said. Tourism, a vital part of the southern economy, will also be supported. Plans are in place for a hotel school at KVTC to train chefs, waiters, and food and beverage managers. “Too many people in tourism work without formal qualifications and are paid as unskilled workers. We want to ensure they gain proper recognition, skills, and better salaries,” Diergaardt noted.


Collaboration - Diergaardt stressed that KVTC will not work in isolation. “We want partnerships with centres across Namibia and the wider SADC region. We’re exploring franchising some courses and introducing international programmes. Our ambition is to become a key player in skills development in SADC and Africa.” One exciting prospect is a collaboration with the Finnish government on drone technology. Plans include establishing a drone assembly plant near the centre, with practical training at the underutilised local airport. “This could be a game-changer, offering young people cutting-edge skills in a fast-growing industry,” Diergaardt said. With its modern facilities, diverse training opportunities, and focus on industry relevance, the Keetmanshoop Vocational Training Centre promises to transform skills development in southern Namibia. “I am very excited about this project and optimistic about the support from our partners. KVTC has the potential to open doors for thousands of young people and drive economic growth in the region,” Diergaardt concluded.