Training levy plan on

GOVERNMENT has announced plans to introduce a training levy through which the private sector will provide more funding for the training of young unemployed Namibians.

The funds will be administered by the Namibia Training Authority (NTA), which was set up to implement and manage vocational training on behalf of the Government. “Employers, unions, NGOs and the Government will jointly oversee the activities of the NTA in order to ensure that vocational training in future will be better geared to meeting the requirements of the private sector and the national economy in general while vastly increasing the number of training places, thus addressing the plight of the large number of unemployed young Namibians,” Education Permanent Secretary Vitalis Ankama said on Friday.He said the new Vocational Training Bill currently under discussion in Parliament confirms Government’s intention to introduce the training levy, which would result in joint financing of vocational training by Government and employers.Ankama said detailed planning would take place as soon as the bill had been passed, which would enable the NTA to drive the consultative process.”It is the Ministry’s contention that by involving the key stakeholders in this process, a levy will be introduced that will achieve maximum effect and benefit for all stakeholders while limiting the burden on those who will have to contribute to the levy as much as possible,” he said.He said national consultations on the training levy would be organised in all regions as soon as practically possible.He issued a statement after a number of individuals and organisations approached him, seeking clarifications on the training levy.He said the Ministry made it one of its priorities to consult and involve employers and labour unions in the planning of all issues related to vocational training.”Employers, unions, NGOs and the Government will jointly oversee the activities of the NTA in order to ensure that vocational training in future will be better geared to meeting the requirements of the private sector and the national economy in general while vastly increasing the number of training places, thus addressing the plight of the large number of unemployed young Namibians,” Education Permanent Secretary Vitalis Ankama said on Friday.He said the new Vocational Training Bill currently under discussion in Parliament confirms Government’s intention to introduce the training levy, which would result in joint financing of vocational training by Government and employers.Ankama said detailed planning would take place as soon as the bill had been passed, which would enable the NTA to drive the consultative process.”It is the Ministry’s contention that by involving the key stakeholders in this process, a levy will be introduced that will achieve maximum effect and benefit for all stakeholders while limiting the burden on those who will have to contribute to the levy as much as possible,” he said.He said national consultations on the training levy would be organised in all regions as soon as practically possible.He issued a statement after a number of individuals and organisations approached him, seeking clarifications on the training levy.He said the Ministry made it one of its priorities to consult and involve employers and labour unions in the planning of all issues related to vocational training.