The Programme Manager of the TVET Conference, Jerry Beukes, has expressed concern over the private and public technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions not embracing new technology and innovation.

Beukes said this at the opening of the week-long GIZ Pro TVET Conference in Windhoek on Monday.

Beukes says it is sad that the Namibian TVET context still requires developing first-revolution lower-skilled occupational trades such as welders and boilermakers.

He says there is a need to promote mathematics and science subjects at the school level, to upskill TVET trainers, and to collaborate with leaders in the private and public sectors to equip young people to be ready for the fourth industrial revolution.

"I agreed because I know that while it is in our nature as humans to fear the uncertainty that change brings, the reality is that if we fear change, we fear the future, we fear growth, and we fear sustainability. I agreed to the request because I appreciate that, as servants of the education sector, we must embrace change. We need to be the catalysts. We need to drive change."

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is driven by technological change, innovation, and efficient production processes; thus, Namibia, Beukes adds, needs to stop being on the sidelines and focus on touchable actions that will get the country ready for 4IR.

To reach this goal, Beukes says, educators and policymakers need to ensure that the necessary digital and innovation skills are taught at school.

Beukes stressed that Namibia will soon have no choice but to critically assess the entire education, training, and employment system to accommodate the 4IR.

"We can also pose questions about our TVET trainer curriculum and the TVET curriculum in general, which remains a key sticking point for the relationship with the industry, as it affects the type and quality of skills produced for the industry by the system. And considering the demands the 4IR is sure to place on our curriculum development work."

The conference ends on Friday.