B360 launches career initiative

STAFF REPORTER
  • 13 Hours Ago

B360 Namibia has hosted its first Career Starter Weeks, bringing together 34 unemployed university graduates for practical training aimed at improving their readiness for the job market.


The two five-day workshops, held in October 2026, focused on equipping graduates with the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to transition from university into employment.


The programme was held for the first time under the leadership of B360 Namibia, which was established in February this year as a local non-profit organisation. It forms part of the wider Career Starter Week initiative introduced in 2017 by Swiss non-profit organisation B360 education partnerships.


The workshops brought together graduates and local and international professionals for sessions covering career development, workplace expectations and entrepreneurship.


Participants received practical training in CV writing, interview preparation, professional etiquette, business communication, financial planning, presentation skills and personal branding.


The programme also included business modelling, individual feedback, mentoring, coaching and mock interviews, giving participants an opportunity to practise presenting themselves to prospective employers.


B360 Namibia aims to bridge the gap between higher education and employment by connecting young graduates with experienced Namibian and Swiss professionals who can share industry knowledge, workplace insights and career guidance.


Country manager Nico Smit said the programme demonstrated the importance of collaboration in preparing young people for the workplace.


"The Career Starter Weeks demonstrate the power of collaboration in preparing our youth for the future. We are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm shown by the participants and deeply grateful to our facilitators, sponsors, volunteers, and partner organisations who invested their time, expertise, and resources," he said.


He added that the initiative was helping young Namibians access opportunities, launch their careers and build sustainable futures.


Professionals from different sectors and backgrounds shared their career experiences and insights into workplace expectations, helping participants better understand the opportunities and challenges associated with entering the labour market.


B360 Namibia acknowledged the support of its sponsors, Oryx Properties Limited, LGT Switzerland and a Swiss-based foundation.


It also thanked volunteers Agnes Yeboah, Ilke Platt, Olga Katataiza, Paulo Coelho, Jonas Ileka, Hilda Basson-Namundjebo, Pehovelo Nghaamwa and Ndapwa Kwedhi, as well as facilitators Thomas Weber and Antonius Knep.


The organisation said their contributions were important in preparing young people for professional careers and strengthening Namibia's future workforce.


Following the inaugural programme, B360 Namibia plans to continue hosting Career Starter Weeks in 2027, with dates and further details to be announced.


B360 Namibia was established in February 2026 as part of the localisation vision of B360 education partnerships, a Swiss non-profit organisation founded by Sabina Balmer in 2009.