Baumgartbrunn Academy targets international welding standards

The Baumgartbrunn Vocational Training Academy (BVTA) is positioning itself as a key contributor to Namibia’s future industrial skills development, with a strong focus on welding training aligned to international standards.In an interview, BVTA director Dr Albin Jacobs said the academy operates as a Section 21 company, meaning it functions as a non-profit organisation with a mandate to support skills development rather than generate profit. The academy is a member of WeldNAM, the national body responsible for welding standards in Namibia, ensuring that its programmes meet recognised industry requirements.Jacobs said BVTA’s mission is to promote welding as a viable career path while supporting both industry and students through partnerships with educational institutions and private sector stakeholders. These collaborations are aimed at improving practical training opportunities and creating clearer pathways into employment for young Namibians.He explained that WeldNAM is hosted by the University of Namibia and serves as Namibia’s Accredited Nominated Body for the International Institute of Welding (IIW). This allows WeldNAM to oversee IIW-aligned training in the country and ensure that qualifications meet international best practice. WeldNAM will also offer a Welding Engineering programme under the IIW framework, strengthening local technical capacity.Welding a critical skillJacobs said welding has been identified as a critical skill for Namibia’s emerging oil and gas sector and the green hydrogen industry. Both industries depend heavily on high-quality welding performed to international standards, such as ISO specifications. Without locally certified welders, Namibia risks missing out on economic opportunities linked to large-scale industrial projects.He noted that internationally recognised welding certification has historically not been available in Namibia, creating a skills gap that hampers industrialisation and limits local participation in major developments. BVTA aims to help address this gap by supporting internationally accredited training and certification pathways.As part of its outreach efforts, BVTA recently completed a basic maintenance welding training programme at Tsumis, supported by funding from Intercultural Relations in Germany and equipment donated by the German Embassy. The training involved experienced instructors from GSI, with support from the Namibia Institute of Mining and Technology.Looking ahead, GSI is expected to begin offering IIW-certified welding courses in Namibia from early 2026, operating from Swakopmund. BVTA is also in discussions with a donor regarding further training initiatives expected to be announced soon.For more information, Dr Albin Jacobs can be contacted at 081 272 1901 or via email at BVTA25@gmail.com.

Baumgartbrunn Academy targets international welding standards

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Republikein 2025-12-16

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Baumgartbrunn Academy targets international welding standards

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