Merging Education and Tourism

A recent collaboration brings education and tourism together to foster innovation and provide unique learning opportunities for Namibian students.

A partnership between the Commercial Advancement Training Scheme (CATS) Namibia, Gondwana Collection Namibia and the Namibia Training Authority (NTA) aims to leverage the strengths of all organisations and reinforce the Namibian workforce.

Accredited by the Namibia Qualifications Authority and recognised by the Southern African-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, CATS Namibia facilitates a dual training programme that provides both theoretical education and practical on-the-job training to school graduates and employees wishing to develop their careers.

Courses are offered in partnership with the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) and the Harold Pupkewitz Graduate School of Business.

PARTNERSHIP

CATS Namibia currently offers two programmes: a two-year diploma in business process management in the form of 24-month apprenticeships and a one-year certificate in supervisory skills development, for employees.

Gondwana Collection Namibia registered membership with CATS Namibia in 2023. The NTA, alongside internal audits with subject matter experts, have examined the company’s capacity to offer these learning programmes, which have been introduced as of July 2024.

The collaboration will see Gondwana Collection Namibia providing resources and support to CATS Namibia and the integration of students who learn with real-world applications, particularly in the tourism industry.

Apprentices will be highly engaged and will be stationed in workplaces from Mondays to Thursdays, while attending face-to-face lessons at NUST on Fridays and Saturdays.

SYNERGY OF TOURISM AND EDUCATION

Gondwana Collection Namibia’s extensive network of tourist destinations and overall influence of the industry will serve as experiential learning sites for students, combining education with the beauty and diversity of Namibia.

This unique approach will provide students with the opportunity to gain experience in dynamic, real-world environments, enriching their educational experience and fostering a deeper appreciation for Namibia’s natural and cultural heritage.

Silke Ahrens and Jonathan Kashikola, representatives of Gondwana Collection Namibia said the learnership programme is a first for Gondwana Collection Namibia’s Windhoek support teams.

“The calibre and potential of the candidates is inspiring. We experience CATS as a professional and engaged partner in the programme and look forward to the implementation. CATS, NUST and the NTA have been supportive in making this dream happen and offering more opportunities for young talent.”

APPRENTICES

Claudia Ngivelwa and Eugene Newala commenced their apprenticeships in July this year. CATS promotes the programme application annually and partner companies engage with CATS for the interview process.

FUTURE PROSPECTS AND PROJECTS

The first of its kind in the tourism industry, these initiatives aim to create sustainable educational models that can be replicated across the country, benefiting more students and communities.

Visit CATS Namibia for more information.