PIONEERING PARTNERSHIP: KRAATZ ENGINEERING AND UNAM FORGE STRATEGIC ALLIANCE TO BRIDGE SKILLS GAP

By Grand News Network
May 3, 2024

WALVIS BAY, NAMIBIA, 02 MAY 2024 – Kraatz Engineering, a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group, is thrilled to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that is leading the way in a new venture with the University of Namibia (UNAM) and the Welding Association of Namibia. This strategic alliance is set to revolutionize the engineering sector by enhancing the talent pipeline through a synergistic approach that integrates hands-on training within academia, aligns educational curricula with industry requirements, and propels innovation through collaborative research endeavours.

The joint initiative is aimed at narrowing the skills gap prevalent in the Namibian engineering industry. By leveraging the strengths of each partner, the MoU will create a seamless pathway from education to employment, ensuring graduates are not only job-ready but also equipped to contribute to the advancement of local industry through innovation and best practices.

“Kraatz and O&L’s commitment to nurturing local talent will see students gaining invaluable, on-the-job experience through structured internships and job attachments. UNAM’s rich academic environment will be enriched by real-world industry insights, enhancing their reputation as a cradle of future industry leaders, while the broader engineering sector will benefit from a workforce that is educated, innovative, and aligned with the needs of industry.”, states Cameron Kali, Talent Acquisition Specialist at O&L.

PIONEERING PARTNERSHIP: KRAATZ ENGINEERING AND UNAM FORGE STRATEGIC ALLIANCE TO BRIDGE SKILLS GAP

Prof. Kenneth Matengu vice chancellor of UNAM and Frank Kernstock (MD) of Kraatz Engineering at the signing of the MOU in Walvisbay.

The MoU outlines specific programs that include:

Job shadowing and internships for hands-on experience.
Utilization of state-of-the-art facilities and professional equipment.
Joint research projects aimed at industry innovation.
Academic and industry information exchange forums.

These programs are designed to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical skills, providing a holistic educational experience for students.

The anticipated outcomes of this collaboration are multifaceted:

A significant reduction in the skills gap within the Namibian engineering industry.
An increase in job creation, particularly for the youth.
The establishment of Namibia as a hub of industry innovation and progress.

Students and academics eager to take part in this trailblazing initiative are encouraged to reach out to their respective institutional representatives for criteria and application processes.

This partnership embodies the long-term vision of creating a sustainable and self- sufficient local industry that is competitive on a global scale. It aligns with national goals for education and industry development and promises to catalyse the economic and social upliftment of the Namibian society. Prof. Kenneth Matengu, UNAM’s Vice-chancellor, has endorsed this partnership, recognizing it as a pivotal step towards an inter-connected and progressive future for Namibia. “This MoU creates opportunities to collaborate in overall education of our engineering students but more specifically in student placement, in research and in R&D support. This framework advances the mutual interests of the parties especially in the development of welding engineering education in Namibia, which UNAM will begin offering soon. UNAM is extremely pleased to partner with KRAATZ of the O&L group and looks forward to working with O&L in expanding industry activities and supporting emerging businesses in the future.”, stated Prof. Kenneth Matengu, Vice Chancellor of the University of Namibia.

Frank Kernstock, MD of Kraatz Engineering, adds, “Internship and attachment programs are critical in crafting a robust talent pipeline. At O&L and Kraatz, we envision a sustainable future where Namibians are at the forefront of industry innovation and therefore, we are committed to this journey, alongside UNAM and the Welding Association, in creating and enhancing life locally. This partnership is more than a MoU; it is a promise to the future generations of Namibia, ensuring they have the tools, skills, and opportunities to build a brighter, more innovative future for all. This is authentically who we are, what we care about and for the future we are passionate about.”