Practical education as a solution to employment challenges
Fostering hands-on expertise
Paolo Sistile, founder of Brave and Achievers College of Artisans, says his institution provides practical, hands-on training to meet the country's growing demand for skilled artisans.
Technical and vocational education remains a cornerstone for developing practical skills in various industries.
According to the founder of Brave and Achievers College of Artisans, Paolo Sistile, this type of training is essential for fostering hands-on expertise.
“Success in technical fields depends heavily on passion. For artisans, particularly in fields like boilermaking, a genuine love for the work is crucial,” Sistile stated.
His college focuses on providing practical-orientated training to address the country’s growing demand for skilled workers.
Sistile said his inspiration for the college stems from personal experience.
“During my internship, I was mentored by a businessman, Mr Beatrice, who encouraged me to train others once I was qualified. His guidance fuelled my dream of starting this institution,” he recalled.
Value
In addition to the fulfilment technical work offers, vocational training is seen as a solution to several economic challenges.
According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), vocational training enables self-sufficiency and job creation.
WEF noted in 2023 that technical institution graduates are more likely to find employment or start their own businesses than those with purely academic qualifications.
Sistile echoed this sentiment, saying skilled artisans help keep essential services and resources within the country while promoting economic sustainability.
Navigating business
However, the path to success in the artisan sector is not without challenges. Sistile admits that starting a vocational institution was difficult.
"The challenges I faced were vast, from capital constraints to navigating business regulations in our country, which can be very business-unfriendly at times,” he said.
For young Namibians considering a career in technical fields, Sistile’s advice is clear: "Look around and find what you love to do, and pursue it with passion."
In March 2021, Cabinet approved a revised TVET policy and implementation plan to reduce youth unemployment.
The policy emphasises that quality improvement and a substantial expansion of the TVET system can only be achieved through a joint endeavour by the state, civil society actors and private sector.
According to the founder of Brave and Achievers College of Artisans, Paolo Sistile, this type of training is essential for fostering hands-on expertise.
“Success in technical fields depends heavily on passion. For artisans, particularly in fields like boilermaking, a genuine love for the work is crucial,” Sistile stated.
His college focuses on providing practical-orientated training to address the country’s growing demand for skilled workers.
Sistile said his inspiration for the college stems from personal experience.
“During my internship, I was mentored by a businessman, Mr Beatrice, who encouraged me to train others once I was qualified. His guidance fuelled my dream of starting this institution,” he recalled.
Value
In addition to the fulfilment technical work offers, vocational training is seen as a solution to several economic challenges.
According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), vocational training enables self-sufficiency and job creation.
WEF noted in 2023 that technical institution graduates are more likely to find employment or start their own businesses than those with purely academic qualifications.
Sistile echoed this sentiment, saying skilled artisans help keep essential services and resources within the country while promoting economic sustainability.
Navigating business
However, the path to success in the artisan sector is not without challenges. Sistile admits that starting a vocational institution was difficult.
"The challenges I faced were vast, from capital constraints to navigating business regulations in our country, which can be very business-unfriendly at times,” he said.
For young Namibians considering a career in technical fields, Sistile’s advice is clear: "Look around and find what you love to do, and pursue it with passion."
In March 2021, Cabinet approved a revised TVET policy and implementation plan to reduce youth unemployment.
The policy emphasises that quality improvement and a substantial expansion of the TVET system can only be achieved through a joint endeavour by the state, civil society actors and private sector.
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