NUST, OTESA sign MoA to expand internship opportunities
The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) and OTESA Civil Engineering (Pty) Ltd have formalised a partnership aimed at strengthening Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) and expanding internship opportunities for students.
The Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), signed earlier this week, provides a framework for structured internship placements and broader collaboration between the university and the engineering firm.
Two NUST students have already begun placements at OTESA, marking the start of what both institutions expect to become a growing pipeline of practical training opportunities. Through the agreement, students will gain exposure to OTESA’s multidisciplinary operations, including civil engineering, project management, quantity surveying, health and safety, finance, procurement and human resources.
Internship placements will run for three to six months and will alternate between office-based learning and on-site project exposure. Training will be jointly supervised by OTESA professionals and NUST academic staff to ensure students benefit from both practical experience and academic guidance.
NUST has made WIL a compulsory component of all undergraduate programmes, requiring students to complete internships before graduating. The approach aims to produce graduates with practical industry exposure while narrowing the gap between classroom learning and professional practice. The process is supported by the university’s award-winning Cooperative Education Unit, which facilitates internship placements.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, deputy vice-chancellor for teaching, learning and technology, Prof Teresia Kaulihowa, said the partnership would allow NUST students to refine their professional competencies while contributing fresh perspectives grounded in current research and innovation.
OTESA chief people and culture officer Rudolf Coetzee said the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to investing in Namibia’s future professionals by providing meaningful internship opportunities and exposure to real-world projects.
Beyond internships, the agreement also opens opportunities for joint research initiatives, participation in career fairs, and ongoing engagement between the university and industry to ensure academic programmes remain aligned with labour market needs.
