Technology in the desert

Text Gabi Schneider

Photographs Namibian Institute of Mining and Technology

Mining is the backbone of the Namibian economy, and the country has several world-class mining operations that use state-of-the-art technology. Namibia is the world leader in mining gem diamonds from the sea floor, and the unique purpose-built vessels employ techniques that have been specifically developed for this unique operation. But state-of-the-art technology also requires human gems who are experts in their field. With its small population of just over two million people, this presents a challenge for a country such as Namibia.

In the past, educational institutions were few and far between. When Namibia became independent in 1990, the country did not have its own vocational training system. However, in that same year, the mining industry rose to the challenge, and the concept of the Namibian Institute of Mining and Technology (NIMT) was born.

As an independence gift to the nation, Rössing Uranium Ltd pledged N$6 million to establish a school of mining to train technicians and artisans. A decision was taken to create an institution flexible enough to respond to the rapidly changing needs of post-independence Namibia, and to ensure relevance, efficiency and effectiveness of the programmes offered. With this in mind, NIMT forged ahead and established a training facility that combines theoretical training with practical experience.

The Namibian Government wholeheartedly supported the idea of an educational facility that would cater for the vocational training needs of the nation and thereby for the economy. The location for NIMT was considered carefully, and the desert town of Arandis was chosen because it was close to mining operations, and had a good infrastructure and recreational facilities.

The rationale behind the establishment of NIMT was the dire need to develop technical skills for Namibia in Namibia. For every technical graduate in Namibia’s mining industry, seven technicians, 20 artisans and 50 operators are required. Prior to the establishment of NIMT, the country’s lack of training facilities meant that Namibians either needed to be sent abroad for training, or, as was mostly the case, skills had to be imported. This deprived Namibians of potential employment opportunities, and left the mining industry with an unsustainable practice.

In an effort to bring training to the people, NIMT has also developed two satellite campuses, one in Tsumeb and one in Keetmanshoop

Although initially established with the mining industry in mind, NIMT has broadened its focus over the years, so as to develop the diverse human resource requirements of the nation. Today NIMT provides quality training for all industries, including fishing, manufacturing, agriculture, oil exploration and the automotive industry. Courses that are offered include fitting and turning, boiler-making, plating, welding, diesel and petrol mechanics, electrical, instrumentation, bricklaying, plastering, carpentry, joinery, plumbing, sheet-metal work, refrigeration, air-conditioning, millwright, autotronics and clothing production.

Courses in mathematics, engineering science, engineering drawing, industrial electronics and applicable trade theories are done concurrently with practical training. Job agreements with more than 500 Namibian companies complement the learning experience at NIMT. Courses in numeracy, literacy and computer training round off the bouquet of training opportunities for young Namibians.

NIMT is an autonomous entity governed by a Board of Trustees, with representatives from the Namibian Government and the Namibian mining industry.  NIMT is fully accredited by the Namibian Qualifications Authority for both its vocational and theoretical tuition and training, and is registered with the Namibian Training Authority. After four levels of practical and theoretical tests, the trainees are eligible to take the National Trade Test to qualify as technicians and artisans. In an effort to bring training to the people, NIMT has also developed two satellite campuses, one in Tsumeb and one in Keetmanshoop.

Over the years NIMT has grown continuously, and developed into one of the leading vocational training institutions in Namibia. The growth of NIMT is a direct reflection of the need for technical skills in the Namibian mining industry and other industries. It is, however, first and foremost a reflection of the excellent training provided and the resulting outstanding skills that distinguish NIMT graduates, ensuring that a job is guaranteed for everybody who attended this superb facility.

Namibian learners need to develop life competencies that will enable them to engage in all aspects of life, including work, the environment, politics, and cultural and social relationships. We are living in a rapidly changing world, where old skills are no longer relevant and new skills are required to adapt to rapidly changing demands. In today’s sophisticated technological society, the large numbers of low-skilled or semi-skilled jobs are eliminated by the rapid application of advancing technology in the workplace. The integrated education and training provided by NIMT stimulates and empowers learners to acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, values and critical understanding required to respond confidently and creatively, and rise to the challenges of a changing social, political and economic environment.

NIMT sees its mission as providing cost-effective and quality vocational education and training, and its vision as being the premier vocational training provider by choice

However, NIMT could not have been successful without the continuous support of the mining industry. Apart from sponsoring trainees by means of bursaries, equipment and materials are donated on a regular basis. The good cooperation with companies that accept NIMT trainees for job attachments is another success factor for the institution.

NIMT recently came of age, celebrating its 21^st birthday, and thereby 21 years of excellence in technician and artisan training. In his statement, delivered on behalf of His Excellency, Hifikepunye Pohamba, President of the Republic of Namibia, the Honourable Isak Katali, Minister of Mines and Energy, stated that it was the foresight of Rössing Uranium that provided Namibia and its industry with well-skilled and highly educated artisans who were educated and trained at this centre of excellence. He invited NIMT to never stop striving for excellence, to keep up the dedication, love, care, discipline and initiatives, and to live up to its mission and vision statements.

NIMT sees its mission as providing cost-effective and quality vocational education and training, and its vision as being the premier vocational training provider by choice. With its values of care, integrity, teamwork and excellence, NIMT is on the right path to continue its adult life by serving the Namibian people and industry as the leading vocational training institution in the country.

This article appeared in the May’12 edition of FLAMINGO Magazine.