20 February 2023
The Ministry of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation (MHETI) and the Namibia Training Authority (NTA), have introduced a 29-member committee, comprising of industry and sector representatives and experts, who have been tasked to develop a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Sub-Framework within the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
The development of the sub-framework is a key strategic deliverable of the TVET Policy of 2021, launched by Minister, Dr. Itah Kandjii-Murangi in March 2021. This particular policy objective is aimed at increasing access and equity in TVET programmes, through the development of clear pathways for vertical and horizontal progression of TVET qualifications on the existing NQF. The MHETI has mandated the NTA, as the regulatory body for the TVET sector in Namibia, to coordinate the development process of a TVET sub-framework within the NQF.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Raimo Naanda, MHETI Deputy Executive Director, said the lack of clear articulation pathways for holders of TVET qualifications has been a source of frustration – not only for the Ministry and the NTA – but especially so for holders of national TVET qualifications, who, as a result, are held back in their desire for further education and job preparation.
“The importance of the work that lies ahead for us cannot be overemphasized. Not only will the establishment of a vigorous TVET qualification sub-framework allow for better coordination, it will also allow us to be more cost-efficient in the application of our financial and human resources. TVET is always a costly undertaking and we cannot continue in this manner”, Dr. Naanda emphasized.
Dr. Naanda encouraged the committee to work with urgency and zeal, whilst ensuring that stakeholder inputs are solicited. “Identify barriers and make recommendations on how best to overcome them. Advise on appropriate governance for the framework solution you are to propose. Identify and analyse good practice models and relationships for transitioning. Benchmark and make applicable recommendations to us on uniform and appropriate admission requirements. Advise us on resource optimisation and inclusiveness”, he stressed.
NTA’s Manager TVET Standards, Mr. Amon Haufiku leads the 29-member committee as Project Leader. The committee had a first meeting in the capital today and is soon to embark on a national stakeholders’ consultation process, which shall include amongst other key stakeholders such as industry representatives, training providers (TVET, academic and tertiary institutions), regulatory bodies, youth, employer bodies, etc., while the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA) will coordinate the approval process, as a regulator and custodian of the NQF.
The GIZ-funded Promotion of Technical and Vocational Education and Training Project (ProTVET) supports the technical committee’s work.
