As Namibia’s oil and gas industry continues its rapid expansion, engineering and fabrication company 3C Metal has taken a significant step towards strengthening the country’s skilled workforce with the official opening of its new Development Training Centre in Walvis Bay.
The state-of-the-art facility was inaugurated during a ceremony attended by company management, employees and industry partners, underscoring 3C Metal’s commitment to developing local talent and preparing Namibians for opportunities in one of the country’s fastest-growing sectors. Addressing guests at the launch, Managing Director Francois Smit described the centre as far more than a new building, calling it a long-term investment in people and the future of Namibia’s industrial economy. “Today is more than the opening of a new facility. It marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our company and represents an investment in the future of our employees,” Smit said. He noted that the rapid growth of Namibia’s offshore oil and gas industry has intensified demand for skilled artisans and technicians, making continuous training essential to meeting international industry standards.
Recognising this need, 3C Metal established the Development Training Centre to enhance employees’ technical expertise while promoting excellence in quality, safety and operational compliance. To ensure internationally recognised training standards, Bosch Medical has partnered with Prometeer, the international training academy of the Ortec Group.
The collaboration will deliver specialised programmes based on global best practices and decades of industry experience. Although the centre’s primary focus will be on developing 3C Metal’s own workforce, Smit said the company hopes to expand selected programmes to benefit the broader community in the future. Ahead of the official launch, the centre completed a successful six-week pilot training programme for welders and boilermakers. According to Smit, the enthusiasm and dedication shown by participants confirmed the value of structured skills development. The first group of graduates included welders Moses Naobeb, Joshua Namoonde, Emma Johannes, Mika Nakathingo, Luciano Goaseb, Eino Ananias and Moses Shipandeka, while Juan Johnson, Carlos Shikulunde, Samuel Nghihangwa, Iyaloo Shaduka, Michael Ngwali, George Malakia and Ahazi Joshua completed the boilermaker programme. Training was facilitated by Gold Diackono and Damien Moukanza, whose expertise helped guide participants through the intensive programme.
Congratulating the graduates, Smit said their certificates represented more than technical competence, they reflected dedication, perseverance and a commitment to continuous improvement. He also acknowledged the contributions of the Ortec Group, Prometeer, Bosch Medical, the company’s management and human resources teams, as well as everyone involved in establishing the centre. “The true value of this centre is not measured by the building or the equipment, but by the people we train,” he said.
As Namibia positions itself as a major player in the global energy industry, the new Development Training Centre is expected to play a vital role in building a skilled local workforce, creating sustainable career opportunities and supporting the long-term growth of the country’s oil and gas sector.
By Rudi Bowe
