Skills mismatch contributes to youth unemployment

TJIPENANDAJAMBI KUHANGATHE ever-increasing rate of youth unemployment in Namibia is caused by the mismatch of skills and poor career choices.

This was said by labour minister Errki Nghimtina at the launch of the fifth edition of the Careers in Namibia Guide 2018/2019.

This career guide was compiled to help Namibians, particularly the youth, with effective study methods, different careers and professions.

“The ministry of labour embarked on this project of developing and updating the career guide,” said Nghimtina.

Statistics show that Namibia’s youth unemployment rate stands at 45,5%, which has resulted in the country being classified country in Africa with the fourth highest rate of youth unemployment.

Swaziland takes pole position with 55%, followed by South Africa with 54% and then Libya with youth unemployment standing at 45,9%.

Nghimtina said that the guide is updated every three years in order to keep up with labour dynamics, which consistently require new advanced skills that are to remain competitive in the local and global economy.

“The economic downturn that befell Namibia has affected national projects leading to a number of job losses and an upsurge in the unemployment rate,” said the minister.

He added that it is imperative that young people get guidance to acquire skills on relevant careers that are demanded by the labour market.

It is evident that the ministry of labour has established a website called Namibia@work that makes the world of work easier to navigate for opportunities especially for the young generation.

This is because the country’s long-term vision of becoming an industrialised nation by the year 2030 requires an appropriately skilled and semi-skilled labour force for the vision to be achieved.

The minister said that careers in technological and vocational trades are at the forefront of this vision and require further advanced skills.

Choosing the right career results in job satisfaction and high job performance, thus increasing productivity, which in turn contributes to economic prosperity.

“Career counselling is essential as it helps to place talent where it is needed and maximises the use of educational opportunities,” said Nghimtina.

A life-skills teacher at Ella du Plessis High School who also spoke at the launch, said: “We are there to guide the learners on the career paths they need to follow. If they want to study medicine we advise them on which subjects they to do. If they want to be lawyers or journalists, we also guide them in terms of what subjects they need to do in high school.”