Thirteen Namibians with Level 3 qualifications in welding, fitting, and turning will be trained in vital oil and gas vocational skills in Angola.

With the help of this programme, Namibians will be better equipped to progress the country's rapidly growing oil and gas industry.

Namibia's oil and gas sector continues to gain momentum, necessitating the implementation of programmes to upskill its citizens for the emerging sector.

The Petroleum Training and Education Fund (Petrofund), through its newly launched TVET Oil and Gas programme, has offered scholarships to about 14 TVET graduates who will be trained in the fields of welding and fitting to acquire the required skills.

The next batch will receive training for roughnecks, derrick operators, assistant drillers, drillers, and welders for the further development of the industry.

The opportunity facilitates local participation and the upskilling of graduates who may find employment in the sector.

Petrofund has received CVs from over 8,000 Namibians with certain competencies, and the TVET crew was sourced from the database.

Petrofund CEO Nillian Mulemi noted that the institution and its partners will ensure the trainees receive employment opportunities, urging them to take advantage of the chance provided and work hard.

The two-month, fully funded scholarship includes allowances.

The training is funded by Subsea 7 and Sonamet following an agreement to collaborate on training crews that will support the oil and gas industry.