Energy-sector vocational training hub opens in Keetmanshoop

The state-of-the-art Keetmanshoop Vocational Training Centre (KVTC) will be officially inaugurated on 19 March, with 253 trainees already accepted into its programmes.

Centre manager Benedictus Diergaardt said the trainees were selected from 1 200 applicants, adding that the opening is “long overdue”.

Training began on 16 February, with 99 women and 154 men enrolled, he said.

"We provided application forms for students in October and received close to 1 200 applications. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate all of them," Diergaardt said.

"Hopefully the expansion of the centre will allow us to increase our numbers. We appointed some trainers and are still busy with the recruitment processes to appoint more," he added.

Diergaardt emphasised that KVTC will focus on the energy sector, with courses catering specifically to the oil and gas and green hydrogen sectors.

“We are currently offering courses on water supply, sanitation and desalination, logistics and supply chain management as well as occupational health and safety," he noted.

The centre will also provide training in mechanical engineering, fitting and machining, solar installation and maintenance, electrical engineering, electronics, information and communication.

Diergaardt highlighted that the expansion of the centre was a continuous process. “Without stakeholders supporting us and smart partners, we would not have been at this stage where we are. We are currently constructing a cafeteria for the trainees and accommodation facilities for the caretakers. We intend to put up a soccer field, a rugby field, a netball court and other sporting facilities."

Partnerships

In terms of forming partnerships, Diergaardt said that KVTC is currently in talks with a potential partner in the UK.

“Negotiations are at an infant stage. I hope that will work out so that we can give exposure to our training centre and our trainees."

Diergaardt encouraged the first cohort of KVTC students to make good use of the opportunity availed to them.

“Grab it with both hands and make a success of it. Don't drop out, and you will not be disappointed at the end of the day because you will be empowered here at KVTC.”

Vice President Lucia Witbooi is set to officially inaugurate the centre on 19 March alongside education minister Sanet Steenkamp.