Niël Terblanché
Namibia’s future oil and gas industry has the potential to create a yet-to-be-determined number of new jobs for appropriately skilled young people.
With nine significant discoveries off the coast, Namibia is gearing up to ensure its citizens are at the forefront of this emerging sector.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Training and Education Fund (Petrofund), Nillian Mulemi, stated that an abundance of qualified Namibians ready to contribute to and benefit from the industry’s growth already exists.
The Petrofund, in response to future industry needs, has launched several programs aimed at providing Namibians with the necessary skills for the oil and gas industry.
Mulemi said that the organization’s scholarship program is designed to provide Namibians with essential training and education to thrive in this field.
“The interest in these initiatives is overwhelming, with more than 8,000 individuals submitting their resumes in hopes of participating in Petrofund’s offerings,” she said.
According to Mulemi, this enthusiastic response only reiterates the community’s eagerness to engage in the oil and gas industry once it becomes operational.
She said that the Petrofund has allocated N$4.9 million to support 34 students continuing with its scholarship program for this year and added that this action demonstrates the institution’s commitment to fostering talent within the country.
Mulemi also revealed that the fund has earmarked N$23.6 million is earmarked for new scholarships, alongside N$5.2 million dedicated to retraining 30 welders and fitters.
“These individuals will receive specialized certification to meet the specific demands of the oil and gas sector,” she said.
