The Namibia Training Authority (NTA) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Labour Resources and Research Institute (LaRRI).
Amongst others, the agreement provides a framework within which the two parties can develop and undertake collaborative research and education programmes, and through which trade union members with trade skills and experience in various fields can enroll for certification through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme.
CEO, Jerry Beukes said that cooperating with LaRRI – as a local leader in labour research – would not only benefit the NTA, but and the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector, at large. “The NTA has the responsibility to contribute to the establishment of an effective and sustainable system of skills formation aligned with the needs of the labour market and which provides the skills required for accelerated development. However, we cannot do this on our own and we constantly need to cooperate with industry partners who can help us with their expertise in preparing the trainees for the labour market and offering courses that meet international TVET industry standards”, Beukes said.
On his part, LaRRI Director, Dr. Michael Uusiku Akuupa said the RPL programme was a key aspect that takes precedence in the agreement, as it can go a long way in addressing the plight of the about 66% of people that are informally employed in Namibia. “This will take us further as a nation, if we can render them the necessary support to het the skills they have amassed over years of employment, certified and recognised”, he highlighted.