Amidst substantial treads in Namibia’s engineering sphere, the University of Namibia (UNAM) has forged a strategic alliance with Kraatz Engineering, a subsidiary of the esteemed Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group, and the Welding Association of Namibia, marking a new endeavour in academia-industry collaboration. This momentous Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed in Walvis Bay on 02 May 2024, signifies a crucial step towards addressing the prevailing skills gap in the engineering sector.
The alliance between Kraatz Engineering, UNAM, and the Welding Association of Namibia represents a pattern shift in industry-academia partnerships. By synergizing expertise and resources, this initiative aims to develop the engineering sector by seamlessly integrating practical training into academic curricula, aligning educational programmes with industry demands, and fostering a culture of innovation through joint research activities.
Central to this partnership is the commitment to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the dynamic engineering landscape. 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 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. Matengu.
Frank Kernstock, Managing Director of Kraatz Engineering, adds, “Internship and attachment programmes 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.”
Meeting demands of modern engineering
The MoU outlines a comprehensive framework for collaboration, including job shadowing, internships, joint research projects, and academic-industry exchange forums. These initiatives are designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice, providing students with a holistic educational experience that prepares them for the demands of the modern engineering landscape.
“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.
The anticipated outcomes of this partnership are far-reaching, including a substantial reduction in the skills gap, increased job creation, and positioning Namibia as a hub of industry innovation and progress.
Through this transformative collaboration, UNAM, Kraatz Engineering, and the Welding Association of Namibia reaffirm their commitment to nurturing local talent and driving sustainable economic and social development.
