The Namibia Training Authority (NTA) aims to adopt strict intake criteria to curb the worsening dropout crisis of trainees in its apprenticeship program.

The NTA spent N$113 million on the program since its inception, however, from a pool of 772 trainees, only 104 graduates have managed to secure jobs in the last five years.

The NTA's Acting Chief Executive Officer, Muvatera Ndjoze-Siririka insists that the stigma around vocational training is partially to blame, as trainees often drop out to explore lucrative job offers instead of completing their programmes.

The trainees, he adds, often drop out without any consequences, and are not required to repay any funds.

Meanwhile, Ndjoze-Siririka maintains that the program is still required to upskill graduates amid concerns of it being too costly, and with few job benefits.

The acting CEO says the fund is often utilized to construct new training centers in places such as Okakarara, Rundu, and Gobabis, amongst others, while a portion is also used to expand existing centers or initiate new courses.

The NTA currently benefits from a law that compels companies to contribute to a VET levy or claim back from this levy where they provide their own training.

He also pledged to explore ways to reimburse companies and training providers who incur losses while providing training

Ndjoze-Siririka spoke to nbc News on the sidelines of a meeting with training providers in manufacturing, at a local hotel in the capital.