Reaching for the stars

Michael Naukushu is a newly appointed brewer apprentice at Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) - a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group.
Mariselle Stofberg
Mariselle Stofberg

Persevering in the face of adversity is easier said than done, but Michael Naukushu has proven that with the right mindset you can accomplish anything.

Naukushu graduated with a bachelor’s degree in science (biochemistry) from the University of Namibia (Unam) in 2018.

Even though he has a specialised degree, it was challenging to find a job, and he was unemployed for almost two years before being selected to become a part of NBL as a brewer apprentice.

“It was such a difficult time, but I would advise other students who might be going through the same thing to never lose hope. Continue to pursue a career that makes it possible for you to do what you love. I never gave up, and I always told myself that better things will come, I just needed to persevere.”

Naukushu further encourages youth to not just sit and wait for opportunities, but to use their gained knowledge and skills to create their own opportunities. “Try to come up with new industrial ideas and concepts that will set you apart from the rest, and enable you to create work for yourself.”

He grew up in the northern part of Namibia at Eenhana in the Ohangwena Region and started his brewer apprenticeship at NBL this year.

“I fell in love with science since I had the subject in high school, and knew I wanted to pursue a career where I could incorporate science.”

In the apprenticeship programme individuals are practically trained for three years within all technical, brewing-related departments at NBL.

After successfully completing his practical training in Namibia, Naukushu will be sent to Germany to the malt factory to learn how malt is produced and to attend the brewing vocational training college to learn the theory behind brewing processes.

The training in Germany takes place over nine months, during which apprentices become fully qualified brewers with a German certificate in the brewing trade - Gesellenbrief.

“We are now in the phase of learning about the brewing process. We are busy familiarising ourselves with the environment, processes and electronic systems used at breweries. We have already learnt so much, and I’m excited to further my knowledge and skills,” he added.

What motivates Naukushu is his drive and desire to be successful one day, and to be in a position to help others in his community.

His selfless and humble nature is a significant contributor to his vision to use his success to enable others to reach for their dreams and full potential.

Naukushu would like to develop a programme one day that will aid scientists in the country to find career opportunities and help them to use their qualifications to build their communities and society at large.

“I believe that anything is possible with faith and hard work. The sky is the limit, so never be afraid of dreaming.”