Imagine that after four long years, you have finally gotten your degree. Your course, however, has not allowed you any internship training and the job you’re looking for requires three years of experience in the job market. So what next?
Well, there is no need to worry because the Commercial Advancement Training Scheme (or CATS) is a two-year programme that allows you to study and work a the same time. Known as a private initiative with over 20 member companies, this on-the-job training immerses students in the working environment, under the guidance of a mentor and supervisor.
“This year the minister of higher education, training and innovation Itah Kandjii-Murangi emphasised on the need for more support to reach the CATS programme from all stakeholders and I am convinced that more exposure on the programme can help facilitate this drive,” Twiitileni Nyamu-Cockburn, CATS programme coordinator, said.
In fact, this initiative is not new. Started in 2005, the CATS programme works in collaboration with the Centre of Education Development and the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) which provides theoretical training for the students involved. The statistics involving CATS is fantastic as about 98% of the graduates become permanently employed by the companies they are designated to, or their chances of employment are boosted heavily thanks to the experience they receive from the training.
Hilya Mupuma (25), a graduate of the programme, said she first read about CATS in the newspaper. “I was with a few friends of mine and we were like ‘let’s try it out’.” Her studies took a lot of her time, but it was worth it in the end. “I studied commercial advance training and now I also have the experience. It was awesome. I was able to rotate at different departments in the company.”
Mupuma was working for African Marketing during the experience and was offered a job afterwards. “The company taught me to be more patient. When someone resigned and I was told to do everything, I learnt how to multi-task. It makes it easier for you to be in the work environment.”
The biggest challenge, she said, is “trying to balance school and work. But I managed”.
Should you do the programme? Yes, according to Mupuma’s recommendation. “I recommend people to do it because it’s a good way for you to gain experience. Most of our graduates are inexperienced. CATS helps give you more experience for what to expect in the work market.”
And one of the biggest advantages? The financial aspect. “One of the biggest advantages is that if you meet the criteria, you have an opportunity to have your finances sorted.”
But what do you need? Nyamu-Cockburn says it’s quite easy. All you need is a D in English and a minimum of four points in Mathematics or a science subject. You will also have to participate in an aptitude test and have 25% overall in your marks. “We have a contract with NUST. We ask people what skills they need and NUST tailors to the industry. It’s very administrative,” she said. Intakes are beginning soon, so keep a look out for advertisements in the newspapers or visit catsnamibia.org for more information.
