HRDC Training Centre

The NamWater vocational training centre at the Von Bach Water Treatment Plant near Okahandja.

About the HRDC

The NamWater Vocational Training Centre, well known as the NamWater HRDC, is on the premises of the Von Bach Water Treatment Plant, about six kilometres south of Okahandja along the Okahandja to Windhoek main road.

The centre is registered with the Ministry of Education as a vocational training centre. It provides full-time vocational training, in theory and practice, to Grade 10 and Grade 12 school leavers with good results in core subjects such as mathematics, English and science. It also offers skills upgrading for employees who want to improve their practical knowledge and skills.

Courses Offered

The following trades are offered full time over three years, in three levels of training:

Auto Mechanic and Diesel
Bricklaying and Plastering
Carpentry and Joinery
Electrician General
Plumbing and Pipe Fitting
Water and Wastewater Treatment (Water Care)
Office Administration
Heavy Plant Operator

The trades are run according to the requirements of the National Trade Testing and Certification Centre. The centre is moving its whole curriculum and assessment to Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET), administered by the Namibia Training Authority under the Vocational Education and Training Act (Act 1 of 2008).

Skills Upgrading Courses

We also offer skills upgrading in the same trades, mainly for employees with limited knowledge and experience who want to improve their skills in their field of work.

Heavy Plant Operator Training

The centre trains heavy plant operators as one of its full-time trades.

Admission Requirements

Every year in the first or second week of October we advertise new enrolment in newspapers such as The Namibian, New Era and Die Republikein. Application forms for full-time and skills upgrading courses are available on our website.

Full-Time Training

Attach these documents to your application form:

Grade 10 or Grade 12 certificate
Your ID or passport
ID or passport of both parents
Your birth certificate
A testimonial letter from your school
Proof of parental income
Three passport photos
A confirmation letter from your employer, if your employer will pay for your studies

Shortlisted candidates write an aptitude test set by officials of the Ministry of Education.

Skills Upgrading

You need at least four years' working experience in the field. Attach these documents to your application form:

CV
ID or passport
Qualifications (minimum Grade 9)
A letter from your employer

Candidates also take a test to assess their level of competency in the field.

Download the 2024 application form (PDF)

Accommodation

We have enough hostel facilities on the premises to accommodate a large number of students. Accommodation is provided against payment, and an independent caterer provides meals against payment. Meal arrangements are strictly between the caterer and the trainees.