In a bid to equip TVET students under the Youth for Green Hydrogen scholarship programme with specialized knowledge and practical skills as demanded by the industry, SASSCAL is offering its sponsored students intensive training sessions. A group of TVET students from several vocational training institutions underwent an intensive three-day Green Hydrogen Masterclass training from 17 to 19 December in Ondangwa. This is the second group to attend such training.
The first training took place in November last year in Windhoek.
The training aimed to augment students’ skills through additional learning in green hydrogen technologies. The training, titled “Green Hydrogen Masterclass for TVET Students: Building Skills for the Future Energy Workforce” was provided to students from Eenhana VTC, NIMT, Triumphant College, Nakayale VTC, Valombola VTC, Rundu VTC, National Institute of Technology, NICHE Training Academy and Atlantic Training Institute.
The training specifically aimed to introduce TVET students to the fundamental principles of green hydrogen production, storage and application and enhance understanding of safety protocols, handling, and hazards associated with hydrogen and its derivatives. Additionally, there has been a need to expose students to practical applications and TVET opportunities or critical TVET skills in the hydrogen value chain and to consolidate participants’ interest in hydrogen-related career pathways within the renewable energy sector.
SASSCAL Namibian Node Programme Coordinator, Mr. Kosmas Shilongo said by providing targeted training in green hydrogen production, safety, and industry applications, the masterclass will directly bridge the existing knowledge gap. “This initiative will not only enhance the employability of these students but also contribute to building the skilled workforce essential for Namibia to realise its potential as a green hydrogen powerhouse,” Mr. Shilongo said.
The Masterclass covered sessions such as Energy Transition and the Role of Hydrogen, Properties, Production Pathways (Electrolysis, Renewables Integration), a review of TVET Skills requirement, Global & Regional Outlook (Namibia’s Hydrogen Strategy, Global Markets), Hydrogen Hazards, Safety, and Risk Management.
Other areas covered in the training include Hydrogen Storage and Transport Technologies, Applications – Mobility, Industry, Power, and Ammonia, Practical Demonstration: Lab-scale electrolyser setup and hydrogen detection tools, Skills and Technical Roles in the Hydrogen Value Chain. The Y4H2 Scholarship Programme is funded through the Joint Communiqué of Intent (JCoI) on Green Hydrogen, a strategic partnership between the Governments of Germany and Namibia established in 2021 and implemented by SASSCAL.
