Namibia's Ambassador to France, Albertus !Aochamub says there is a need for continuous support for students who graduate in technical and vocational skills subjects.

!Aochamub spoke to the nbc News team on the margins of the ongoing 47th WorldSkills International Competition in Lyon, France.

Ambassador !Aochamub has emphasised the need to go beyond simply increasing the number of vocational training graduates and focus more on creating conditions that allow them to succeed in the marketplace. 

Speaking on the importance of supporting vocational training graduates, !Aochanub stressed that while many gain valuable skills, they often face challenges in turning those skills into successful businesses.

"It's not just about the number of graduates; we need to ensure that those who complete vocational training have access to financing so they can set up businesses and transform their skills into commercial enterprises. But money alone isn't enough. Coaching and mentoring are equally important, as being a graduate doesn't automatically make you a businessperson ready to succeed in the market."

A well-structured and well-funded mentoring program is vital for providing the guidance needed to navigate the complexities of running a business.

"If we want to succeed as a country and make TVET an attractive alternative to purely academic training, we need to support our graduates at every step of the way," he said.

This approach, he noted, would help elevate technical and vocational education and training (TVET) to a viable and appealing option for Namibians while also contributing to the country's long-term economic development.

He pointed out that it is not just academics who sustain economies, but also individuals with hands-on skills.

The 47th WorldSkills International Competition concludes on Sunday with a medal ceremony.