From Eenhana to Shanghai

George Victor puts Namibia on the WorldSkills stage
The young welding competitor’s achievement highlights how technical skills can open doors to international opportunities.
Ndapandula Lilonga
  • 6 Days Ago

For George Victor, the journey from Eenhana Vocational Training Centre (VTC) to Shanghai, China, was about more than competing. It was a chance to show what young Namibians can achieve when their skills, training, and determination are put to the test.

George represented Namibia in welding at the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, where he received the Best of Nation Award. The award recognises the highest-performing competitor from each WorldSkills member delegation, making it a significant achievement for the young welder and Team Namibia.

After months of preparation and training, George joined skilled young professionals from around the world to compete in their respective fields.

“Representing Namibia on such a big international stage was a proud moment for me. I put in a lot of preparation and training for this competition, so receiving the Best of Nation Award makes the journey even more special. I hope my achievement inspires other young Namibians to believe in their skills and take every opportunity to grow,” George said.

His achievement also highlights the opportunities available through technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

For young people who enjoy practical work and problem-solving, vocational training can provide a pathway into careers that extend well beyond their communities – and, in some cases, beyond Namibia’s borders.


Young skills on the world stage

George was joined in Shanghai by other members of Team Namibia, who competed in a range of skills.

Jonas Ambambi, Namibia’s plumbing and heating competitor from the NamWater Human Resources Development Centre, described the competition as challenging, exciting and unforgettable.

He said his first day was particularly difficult as he had to familiarise himself with tools and equipment he had not used before.

Web technology competitor Bevin Kabuwanwa from Ongwediva Secondary School said competing alongside participants from different countries was initially intimidating, but strengthened his appreciation of technical skills.

The experience also allowed him to network with other competitors. He hopes to return to WorldSkills in 2028, potentially as an expert.

Joy Mbumba, Namibia’s mechanical engineering CAD competitor from the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), said the experience allowed her to meet people from different backgrounds and learn new approaches to technical work.

NUST students Victor Neshila and Philemon Mengela represented Namibia in mechatronics, working together on tasks that tested their technical knowledge and practical skills.


Beyond the competition

The WorldSkills event also created opportunities for African countries to discuss ways of strengthening TVET training, regional cooperation and participation in the global WorldSkills movement.

For the young Namibians who took part, the experience was about more than medals and awards. It exposed them to new technologies, different ways of working and peers from across the world.

For George, the journey from a vocational training centre in Eenhana to an international competition in Shanghai shows what can happen when young people are allowed to develop and demonstrate their skills.