Preparing for semi autonomy, VTCs have added another portfolio on the structure in the name of Project Coordinator. This is the business arm of the known Technical Training Centres which are under NTA in Namibia. Mike Naiteta is the project coordinator for RVTC reporting directly to the Centre Manager.
Naiteta is happy that the VTC brought this business arm as it will help Centres to test their own fruits by employing the graduates in various projects. Approximately 25 former trainees have been employed on RVTC projects on temporary basis since the start of the projects. These projects are mostly in the Khomas and Kavango East regions. RVTC have engaged in almost 10 projects from the previous financial year to date. Naiteta encouraged the TVET sector to strengthen Entrepreneurship subject as it helps this graduates to be business minds. “We have to produce a team ready to create work, not going door to door seeking for work” added Naiteta.
The soft spoken Naiteta wants government to double efforts in supporting TVET by injecting more funds. “When we talk about development, we talk about TVET, infrastructure is TVET, technology is TVET. This world is now pivoted on TVET. Budget cuts should not be done on TVET sector” said Naiteta. He also added that most developed countries invested heavily on TVET before the rest of the world realized that TVET is the way to the attainment of Vision 2030. “Craftsmen are involved in all areas. Whether working on cellphones, beds, benches, etc” added Naiteta.
The only challenge he is facing in projects is procurement of materials. He suggested that the Act should be revised and be made flexible in some areas. He added that the Act is a government law which the Centre has no power over it. “At the end we are the one to be affected by the Act, projects take time to finish hence we are to follow the process” said Naiteta.
Despite the hectic job he has, he is happy with the support he is getting from the Management and the Procurement Officer. He described them as the team to work with. “Working with this team is awesome” Naiteta added. He encouraged Namibians to change their mind set and take TVET as a choice for the country. More on TVET should come from the leaders of this nation to preach about its importance.
“TVET is the way to go” concluded Naiteta