Erasmus Shalihaxwe
The Petroleum Training and Education Fund (PETROFUND) is inviting Namibian youth, particularly those from the southern regions, to apply for fully funded scholarships in vocational training fields such as boilermaking, electrical engineering, fitting, and turning.
PETROFUND spokesperson Shoki Kandjimi announced on Tuesday that the scholarships are for the 2025 academic year and will be offered at the Namibia Institute of Mining and Technology (NIMT), Keetmanshoop campus.
The initiative aims to equip Namibian youth with the technical skills needed to work in the country’s growing oil and gas industry, particularly following hydrocarbon discoveries in Namibia’s Orange Basin between 2022 and 2024.
‘’This initiative aligns with PETROFUND’s commitment to equipping Namibia’s youth with essential primary technical skills, serving as a foundation for further oil and gas upskilling. The goal is to enable young Namibians to secure employment in the country’s evolving petroleum industry,’’ he said.
Eligible candidates must have passed Mathematics, Science, and English at the Namibia Senior Certificate Ordinary Level (NSSCO), either under the new Grade 11 system or the old Grade 12 system.
Applicants with a Namibia Secondary School Certificate Advanced Subsidiary (NSSCAS) qualification at Grade 12 are also eligible.
Successful candidates must be ready to commence studies in March 2025 at NIMT’s Keetmanshoop campus.
Applications must be submitted by 31 January at 12:00.
PETROFUND strongly encourages individuals from Namibia’s southern regions to seize this opportunity.
Kandjimi said there is a growing demand for skilled professionals in Namibia’s oil and gas sector, particularly in roles such as boilermaking, electrical engineering, and fitting and turning.
‘’These competencies are vital for participating in petroleum exploration license holders’ ongoing exploration and appraisal campaigns,’’ emphasised Kandjimi.
The initiative is part of a collaboration between PETROFUND and Harmattan Energy Limited, the operator of Petroleum Exploration License 90, and comes in response to calls from politicians and the public to prioritise training and employment opportunities for southern Namibians in the rapidly expanding oil, gas, and green hydrogen industries.
