Governors of Oshana, Ohangwena, Omaheke and Omusati are part of the attendees at the WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, where they are supporting Namibian competitors. 

Oshana Governor Hofni Iipinge visited two competitors representing the region in bricklaying from Ongwediva High School and another in fashion technology from Valombola Vocational Training Centre.

Iipinge says practical training must be strengthened to equip young people with the skills needed to accelerate economic growth and industrialisation.

The Governor of the Ohangwena Region, Kadiva Hamutumwa, is also supporting two young Namibians from Eenhana Vocational Training Centre.

She says the world of work has changed, and Namibia needs both people who can think and turn ideas into practical solutions.

The Governor of the Omaheke Region, Pijoo Nganate, says technical and vocational education and training could play a key role in addressing unemployment.

Although Omaheke has no competitors at this year's WorldSkills event, Governor Nganate has a message for the region's youth: the perception that Omaheke's economy is limited to agriculture must change.

Omusati Governor Immanuel Shikongo is also in Shanghai to support two young competitors from Nakayale Vocational Training Centre competing in electrical installations and cooking.

The Governor says Namibia's industrialisation ambitions require a stronger focus on practical and technical skills, arguing that vocational training should receive greater attention alongside academic education.

At WorldSkills Shanghai, Namibia's competitors are gaining international exposure and putting their technical abilities to the test against some of the world's emerging skilled professionals.