Response By WVTC

WE agree that our system is not perfect, but to suggest that WVTC is only interested in profiteering is not correct.WVTC needs a lot of resources to provide training to our trainees and we are trying our level best to provide quality training. Of course if we can get assistance from the public in support of better services it is appreciated.

WE agree that our system is not perfect, but to suggest that WVTC is only interested in profiteering is not correct.WVTC needs a lot of resources to provide training to our trainees and we are trying our level best to provide quality training. Of course if we can get assistance from the public in support of better services it is appreciated.Insofar as the N$50 is concerned, for the test we provide N$35 to the agency which administers the test. N$25 goes to WVTC for administrative purposes, such as stationery, advertisements in the newspapers, and letters and text messages sent to you. To place one advertisement is not cheap and as schools we normally do not get a huge discount.WVTC has been serving those interested in vocational training for a number of years now with distinction. The persons who have been trained up to now play a significant role in the Namibian economy.Sadly, it is also a fact that there are a number of persons who do not complete their training. Our thinking is that we want to ensure more persons qualify at WVTC as artisans. Our workshop and classroom capacity is limited, and to construct more workshops is very expensive. Limited classroom space or workshop space is a reality.We can therefore only take in a limited number of trainees per annum For these reasons and the fact that we have received a huge number of applicants we have no choice but to apply an entrance test.We also do not have sound criteria for pre-selection. We used to pre-select trainees with the highest symbols in grade 10, and then applied the tests to a limited number of candidates. This system is even more exclusive, because academic performance does not necessarily predict success in the technical trades. The aptitude test is assisting us to place some of the thousands of applicants we are receiving. Not necessarily the best, but it assists us to play fair.At the present moment we give all who have applied a fairly good chance to compete equally. We select the persons who have performed the best amongst all in the test. We can assure you that the system is the best possible solution if fairness is one criterion. A bit expensive, but if you take it that we estimate that one test in the market could be as much as N$300, we believe our tests at a subsidized rate of only N$50-00 are fairly cheap, and takes affordability into consideration.Although we cannot take in all the trainees we are still trying our best within our means to take in a number of persons who can fulfil their ambitions.Corrie Arries, Head Administration, WVTCNOTE: This contribution was received in response to an SMS but is too long to be included on that page. It forms part of a discussion on the way the Windhoek Vocational Training Centre selects candidates for training and the charges involved. – Ed