The SASSCAL Youth for Green Hydrogen (Y4H2) Scholarship Programme continues to transform the lives of young Namibians by equipping them with the skills needed to support the country’s growing green hydrogen industry.
One inspiring success story is that of Mr. Aubrey Eduard Thomas, who received a SASSCAL Youth for Green Hydrogen (Y4H2) Scholarship in 2023. The scholarship enabled him to continue his vocational studies and complete his Level 4 Boilermaking qualification at NICHE Training Academy, building on the technical foundation he had already established at the Namibia Institute of Mining and Technology (NIMT), where he completed his Boilermaking studies from N1 to N3.
Raised in Keetmanshoop, Thomas credits his upbringing for instilling the values of hard work, discipline and perseverance. However, he describes receiving the SASSCAL scholarship as a major turning point in his career.
“The SASSCAL Green Hydrogen Scholarship Programme opened doors for me and gave me the opportunity to continue developing my skills in preparation for the future opportunities that the green hydrogen industry will create in Namibia,” he said.
The scholarship also provided Thomas with an opportunity to travel to Germany for advanced welding training, where he participated in an intensive mobility programme. During his stay, he gained hands-on experience with advanced welding technologies, international industry standards and world-class training facilities.
According to Thomas, the international exposure strengthened both his technical and professional skills while demonstrating that Namibian artisans can compete on the global stage when provided with the right opportunities.
“The experience taught me discipline, adaptability and the importance of striving for excellence. It also showed me that Namibian artisans can compete internationally when given the right support,” he said.
Today, Thomas is employed as a Coded Welding Vocational Education and Training (VET) Trainer at the Keetmanshoop Vocational Training Centre (KVTC), where he is passing on his knowledge and practical experience to the next generation of skilled artisans.
For Thomas, being a trainer is about more than teaching technical skills. He is committed to mentoring young people, inspiring them to pursue vocational careers and preparing them to contribute to Namibia’s economic development and the emerging green hydrogen sector.
Reflecting on his journey, Thomas expressed gratitude to his family, mentors, NIMT, NICHE Training Academy and, most importantly, the SASSCAL Youth for Green Hydrogen Scholarship Programme for helping him achieve his goals.
“I encourage young people to make the most of every opportunity that comes their way. Stay committed to your goals, work hard and never stop learning. The skills and knowledge you gain today can create opportunities that will change your life tomorrow,” he said.
Thomas’s journey—from Keetmanshoop to NIMT, through the SASSCAL-funded studies at NICHE Training Academy, the mobility training programme in Germany, and now as a vocational trainer—is a testament to the transformative impact of investing in youth skills development.
Through the Youth for Green Hydrogen Scholarship Programme, Namibia and Germany continues to empower Namibian youth with technical and vocational skills, international exposure and opportunities that support the country’s transition to a green economy while building a highly skilled workforce for the future.
The Study Programme is funded by the German Government under the Joint Communiqué of Intent (JCOI), which was signed in 2021 between the Governments of Namibia and Germany. SASSCAL is the implementing agency, with support from Projektträger Jülich, the project management agency of the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space.
