Kraatz Takes in more NIMT Students

WINDHOEK, OCT. 14 – The Internship program by Kraatz – a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group – shows no signs of regressing as more students from the Namibia Institute of Mining and Technology (NIMT) will commence training under its wing.

According to the Human Capital Manager at Kraatz Roberto January, the internship program, which started in 2011, enables students to do their job attachment to gain practical experience to prepare them for the job market.

January said students get exposure in the Industrial & Mining Division, Workshop, and also in the Marine & Offshore Division where they get exposure in the ship repair industry.

“Generally students taken on board by Kraatz from NIMT specialize in Boiler making, Welding, and Fitting & Turning. These students are mentored and coached by Master craftsmen that have worked in the engineering sector for many years and possess a wealth of experience locally and internationally. It is of utmost importance and we are keen on developing young Namibians to afford them the opportunity to gain practical experience to better prepare them for the job market and at the same time contribute to our country’s development and vision 2030,” said January.

Nine more NIMT students were just welcomed on board the Kraatz internship program, specializing in Boilermaker and Welding Level 1; Boilermaker and Welding Level 2; Fitter & Turner Level 1, and Fitter & Turner Level 2.

One of those students is 21 year old Maxwell Diergaardt who specializes in Fitter & Turner Level 1.

Diergaardt said: “I am very happy and excited to be here at Kraatz Marine. I work with awesome people. I am growing so much as a person and in my profession. My people skills are also improving tremendously, and I am extremely excited at the skills I am acquiring here.”

Hafeni Shikulo specializes in Boilermaker Level 1 and has been a NIMT student since March 2018 and feels proud and fortunate to be part of the Kraatz team.

“Things are going really well with me, and the work environment is absolutely inspiring. The Kraatz team is as awesome bunch of people, and I get good exposure for my trade.”

O&L Group Director: Human Capital, Berthold Mukuahima remarked that businesses need to incorporate a hands-on approach in developing talent and adding to the existing national talent.

“If we as Business Namibia do not support government in growing this nation by doing what we can to develop and nurture, we can forget about growing stronger as a nation. Skills development is a critical pillar in government’s Harambee Prosperity Plan (HPP), and indeed can contribute significantly to curbing the high unemployment rate, and reduction of poverty levels,” said Mukuahima. – NDN Staffer