Lighting his own dreams

Lighting his own dreamsDispelling negative perceptions about vocational colleges A general electrical engineering trainee from NamPower Vocational Training Centre says it is high time people stop looking down on vocational training. Tjihimise Karaerua is one of the top performing artisans at NamPower Vocational Training Centre who has been selected to take part in the WorldSkills competitions that will take place in Abu Dhabi.

“The WorldSkills competition is like the Olympics of vocational skills so it is an honour for me to be taking part in a competition of that magnitude but, more than anything, I want to change the negative perception associated to vocational training in Namibia,” Karaerua said.

He said every trainee at any vocational training centre had to work hard to be there.

“To be accepted into a vocational school especially in my trade is not a walk in the park as it is perceived by many, you need to have good grades because a lot of people apply for this trade,” he said.

He shared with The Zone that he will compete with other highly skilled artisans from different parts of the globe and he is preparing for the competition tirelessly, to come out victorious.

Karaerua added that the WorldSkills competition will be a learning curve and hopes to use the experience from the competition to enhance his career profile.

“Despite the fact that I will be representing my country, I am also going to learn from other competitors and use the knowledge I will gain to better my skills.”

Karaerua who went to Wennie du Plessis Secondary School and obtained 45 points in Grade 12 said he is disappointed by the way many people in Namibia label vocational training colleges as institutions for people who are intellectually weak.

“Many people in Namibia assume that vocational schools are for failures, which is not true. I hope with the WorldSkills competition coming up, I get a chance to change this perception,” he said.

Negative perception

Karaerua is urging vocational training aspirants not to be discouraged by the negative perception about vocational training institutions.

“To those who wish to be trained in various vocational trades, do not be discouraged from pursuing your dreams because vocational skills are just as good as those from other institutions,” said Karaerua.

He told The Zone that after completing matric, he initially wanted to study at the University of Namibia (Unam) but this dream did not materialise because of lack of funds.

“I then applied at NamPower Vocational Training Centre and also received a bursary. I am content because I am doing something that I love,” he added.

Karaerua describes himself as a perfectionist, saying not only does he strive to perfect his work but also expects others to take their training seriously.

“I am a competitive person but I do not undermine the work of those I compete with,” he said.

Karaerua grew up in Gobabis and is equally aware of the massive weight of expectation on his shoulders.

“We did not have electricity in our house but I did not let studying, using candle light, be an obstacle but a stepping stone,” he said.

He further said he believes that his childhood experience is one of the main driving forces that ignited his interest to study electrical installation.



Family support

Karaerua further said his family is supportive and he was amazed how his family reacted when they learned that he was chosen as one of the competitors to represent Namibia at the WorldSkills competition in Abhu Dhabi later this year in October.

“My family's reaction was immense and everyone is very happy for me, especially my mother. She even threw a party for me,” he said.

He said he has already started preparing for the competition and cannot wait to showcase his skills overseas.

“I am currently doing my internship but I make sure not to miss the weekend competition training sessions because I want to perform well at the competition,” Karaerua said.

He further said as a vocational college trainee, many people do not take him seriously but he is going to use this opportunity to show those who do not believe in vocational training how vocational skills can transform lives.

“I am hoping for the best and I hope the performance of fellow competitors will silence the critics,” he stated.

Karaerua said he does not necessarily have role models in his trade but he is motivated by his passion and his personal circumstances at home.

“Electrical engineering is my passion. I am my own role model; the circumstances and the desire to change the living standard at home motivates me to do and to be better in all that I do,” he said.



MICHAEL KAYUNDE