Intake
Applications open for the 2027 Water Plant Operator Apprenticeship
Grade 12 school leavers with Mathematics and Physical Science can apply online until 30 November 2026.
Read moreNamWater Human Resource Development Centre
Your trade starts at Von Bach
Practical training for the water sector, on a working treatment plant. Pick the path that fits you, or browse all 12 courses.
School leaversStart a tradeThe 18-month Water Plant Operator Apprenticeship, with a monthly stipend.Start here 
Working in waterUpskill your tradeOperator, maintenance and supervisory courses for NamWater and municipal staff.Start here 
EmployersTrain your teamGroup intakes for safety and technical courses, invoiced to your organisation.Start here Next intakes
02 NovOccupational Health & Safety10 places left23 NovFirst Aid Level 110 places left07 DecChlorine Handling & Dosing Safety5 places left11 JanOccupational Health & Safety7 places left18 JanWater Plant Operator Apprenticeship12 places left25 JanFirst Aid Level 19 places left01 FebWater Treatment Process Control4 places left01 FebOccupational Health & Safety18 places left15 FebWater Reticulation & Plumbing15 places left22 FebChlorine Handling & Dosing Safety17 places left02 NovOccupational Health & Safety10 places left23 NovFirst Aid Level 110 places left07 DecChlorine Handling & Dosing Safety5 places left11 JanOccupational Health & Safety7 places left18 JanWater Plant Operator Apprenticeship12 places left25 JanFirst Aid Level 19 places left01 FebWater Treatment Process Control4 places left01 FebOccupational Health & Safety18 places left15 FebWater Reticulation & Plumbing15 places left22 FebChlorine Handling & Dosing Safety17 places left
Course streams
Explore our eight training streams
Choose a stream to see its courses, levels, fees and the next intake. Every course is taught at Von Bach.
Operations stream
Treatment plant and borehole operation
Run a conventional water treatment plant safely: coagulation, filtration, disinfection and process control.
Water Treatment Process ControlNQF Level 3 · 12 weeksNext intake01 Feb 2027N$ 18,500Borehole Operation & Groundwater MonitoringNQF Level 3 · 3 weeksNext intake10 May 2027N$ 8,900
All operations courses 
Trades stream
Plumbing, pipe fitting and welding
Install, repair and maintain water pipelines, meters and household connections.
Water Reticulation & PlumbingNQF Level 2 · 8 weeksNext intake15 Feb 2027N$ 14,200Pipe Fitting & Welding (HDPE and Steel)NQF Level 2 · 4 weeksNext intake14 Jun 2027N$ 9,800
All trades courses Mechanical stream
Pumps, valves and plant maintenance
Operate, service and troubleshoot the centrifugal and borehole pumps that move Namibia's water.
Electrical stream
Installation and motor control
Wiring, protection and motor control circuits for pump stations and treatment plants.
Scientific stream
Sampling and water quality
Take, preserve and record water samples correctly so laboratory results can be trusted.
Safety stream
OHS, first aid and chlorine safety
Hazard identification, risk assessment and safe work procedures for water sites. Runs every month.
Occupational Health & SafetyShort course · 1 weekNext intake02 Nov 2026N$ 3,600First Aid Level 1Short course · 3 daysNext intake23 Nov 2026N$ 1,950Chlorine Handling & Dosing SafetyShort course · 2 daysNext intake07 Dec 2026N$ 1,400
All safety courses 
Management stream
Supervisory and team leadership
For new team leaders: planning work, leading shifts, discipline and reporting.
Apprenticeship stream
Full-time programmes for school leavers
An 18-month programme for school leavers: classroom blocks at HRDC and workplace rotations at NamWater schemes.
Training calendar
Book your seat early
Classes are capped at 20 so everyone gets time on the equipment. These intakes start soonest.
02NovOccupational Health & SafetySafety · 1 week · 10 places left23NovFirst Aid Level 1Safety · 3 days · 10 places left07DecChlorine Handling & Dosing SafetySafety · 2 days · 5 places left11JanOccupational Health & SafetySafety · 1 week · 7 places left18JanWater Plant Operator ApprenticeshipApprenticeship · 18 months · 12 places left
Full calendar
Learn by doing
60%
of every course is hands-on, on real pumps, panels, pipes and plant.
- 20trainees per class at most
- 4workshops and a training lab
- 1working water treatment plant
How to apply
Four steps to your first class
01
Choose a course
Browse the catalogue and pick an intake date that suits you.
02
Apply online
Complete one form and upload your ID and certificates. No login needed.
03
Get confirmation
We check entry requirements and email your offer and invoice within 5 working days.
04
Start training
Arrive at Von Bach on the start date with your joining instructions.
Facilities
A campus built for practical training
- Working treatment plantTrainees learn on the Von Bach Water Treatment Plant itself, which supplies Windhoek, Okahandja and surrounding areas.
- Lecture roomsAir-conditioned classrooms with projectors for theory sessions and exams.
- Mechanical workshopPump sets, valves and alignment rigs for hands-on maintenance practice.
- Electrical workshopWiring bays, motor starters and test equipment.
- Plumbing & pipe yardIndoor bays and an outdoor yard for jointing, meters and leak repair.
- Training laboratoryBench space for jar tests, field kits and sampling practice.
Stay on siteSunday to Friday
Notice board
News and notices from the HRDC
Notice
HRDC closed from 18 December 2026 to 8 January 2027
The training centre closes for the festive season. Online applications stay open.
Read moreNew course
New course: Chlorine Handling & Dosing Safety
A two-day course with leak response drills, first run on 7 December 2026.
Read moreFAQ
Quick answers
Can't find what you need? Ask Aqua, or call the HRDC team.
Chat with Aqua+264 61 71 0000Choose a course and intake, then complete the online application. You can upload your documents on the same form. There is no account or login. The HRDC team will email you within 5 working days.
Fees are listed on each course page and in the 2027 prospectus. Short courses start at N$ 1,400. The apprenticeship is sponsored and apprentices receive a stipend.
Yes. Choose "Employer or municipality" as the sponsor on the application form and upload a sponsorship letter. We invoice your employer directly.
Yes, residential trainees can stay at the centre. Tick "I need accommodation" on the application form, and see Facilities.
NamWater staff, municipalities, external companies and members of the public who meet each course's entry requirements.