By Koviao Matuzee
A newly established vocational institution is giving young Namibians a unique opportunity to build careers in one of the country’s most critical sectors while helping address the country’s unemployment rate and the growing demand for skilled workers.
Founded in 2023 by partners Ashipala Iipinge, Blondine Mbapaha and Wilhelmina Negumbo, Mekadesh Technical College is the first institution in Namibia to offer vocational training in road construction and maintenance, filling a long-standing gap in the country’s training landscape.
The idea for the institution was driven by Iipinge’s 17 years of experience in the road construction industry, where he observed that many workers possessed valuable practical skills but lacked formal training and recognized qualifications.
Together with his partners, the trio established the college to bridge that gap and create new opportunities for young Namibians.
“We empower young Namibians by giving them a recognized qualification, real hands-on skills, and a clear path into employment or their own business,” Iipinge said.
The program equips students with practical skills in road building methods, surveying, equipment operation, quality control and road maintenance, while also teaching project management, tendering and entrepreneurship to prepare graduates for both employment and self-employment.
According to Iipinge, vocational training plays a vital role in tackling youth unemployment by producing graduates with skills that are immediately needed by industry, while also enabling young people to establish their own maintenance or contracting businesses.
He further said beyond technical skills, formal qualifications protect young workers from exploitation by giving them recognized credentials, knowledge of industry standards and greater bargaining power for fair wages and career advancement.
Although still in its early stages and working towards accreditation, the institution has already begun training students and conducting skills programs for municipalities and private sector clients.
Its long-term vision is to become a national center of excellence for road construction and maintenance training while expanding access to youth across Namibia.
Iipinge also called on government and the private sector to support vocational education through funding, bursaries, internships and industry partnerships, saying collaboration will help create more opportunities for young people while strengthening Namibia’s infrastructure and workforce.
