By: Peneyambeko Jonas
Men are finding growing opportunities in Namibia’s hospitality and tourism industry, with hotels increasingly looking for male chefs and waiters, according to the Marco Mpollo Vocational Training Centre (MMVTC).
The demand was highlighted during the centre’s graduation ceremony last Friday, where Hospitality and Tourism emerged as the largest programme, with 56 trainees graduating at Levels 3 and 4.
MMVTC Institution Coordinator Helvi Twelipewa Haindongo told Eagle Media House that male trainees are showing interest in the Hospitality and Tourism course because of demand from hotels and other businesses in the sector.
She said the situation is opening another employment path for men who choose vocational training, particularly in commercial cooking and waiting services.
Among the graduates is Chef Benjamin Uzombala, who entered vocational training with a dream of becoming a chef but without knowing how to turn that dream into a career.
“My journey started in vocational. I had a dream to become a chef, but I did not know what to do, where to go and how to begin,” Uzombala said.
Coming from a family with limited financial support, Uzombala said his mother was his main source of hope as he pursued his training.
“Today I am here as a certified chef in commercial cooking. My mom is sitting in the crowd witnessing the great efforts I made to achieve not just a qualification, but experience that will give me job opportunities in the industry,” he said.
His story reflects the role vocational training can play in connecting young people with sectors where practical skills are required.
A total of 99 trainees graduated from MMVTC in five fields.
Besides Hospitality and Tourism, 22 trainees graduated in Automotive Mechatronics Level 3, nine in Office Administration Level 3, five in Community Counselling Level 3 and seven in Welding and Metal Fabrication Level 3.
For MMVTC Founder and Managing Director Natalia Ambuga, however, graduation should not end with graduates waiting for vacancies.
“You are trained not to go look for a job, but you are trained to go into the industry and create employment for Namibian citizens,” Ambuga told the graduates.
She said the practical nature of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) gives young people skills that can be applied directly in the economy.
Ongwediva Constituency Councillor Johannes Ngololo told the audience during the graduation ceremony that vocational graduates need support to make the transition from training institutions into the labour market.
He called for greater exposure to employment, financial literacy, basic business management and leadership training.
Ngololo also urged established businesses to give young graduates opportunities to gain workplace experience and apply their skills.
The graduation was also a highlight for MMVTC because it was only the second since the centre was established in 2003.
Haindongo said the institution operated for years without its courses being registered with the Namibia Training Authority or accredited by the Namibia Qualifications Authority.
She said the recognition of its programmes now allows trainees to graduate from formally recognised courses.
For graduates like Uzombala, the focus has now shifted from obtaining a qualification to finding a place in the hospitality industry, where MMVTC says male chefs and waiters are increasingly being sought.
penny@eaglefm.com.na
