Learning on the job

Kraatz Marine recently added an additional nine students from the Namibia Institute of Mining and Technology (NIMT) to its internship programme for practical technical training.
The internship programme provides students a job attachment to gain practical experience in preparation for the real world. The students receive on the job training and mentoring from master craftsmen with years of experience in the Industrial, Marine and Offshore industries.
Kraatz Human Capital Manager, Roberto January said,“This internship programme forms part of our contribution to bring the O&L Group purpose ‘Creating a future, Enhancing life’ to life. It is of utmost importance, and we are keen on developing young Namibians and 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. We offer job attachment not only to students in their 3rd levels but we give opportunity to level 1 students as well. The level 3 students stay with the company for a total of 12 months, which is required by NIMT to qualify or trade as level 4.”
Since Kraatz established the programme five years ago, it has taken 60 young artisans under its wings, rounding them off for formal employment.
“We are committed to continue running the internship programme as this is our contribution to address the shortage of skills in the country, and in so doing support the ideals and goals of government’s Harambee plan” said January.