01I am leaving school
Start a trade with the 18-month Water Plant Operator Apprenticeship, or an entry-level course.
- Water Plant Operator Apprenticeship18 months
- Water Reticulation & Plumbing8 weeks
- First Aid Level 13 days
Human Resource Development Centre · Von Bach
Find your course.Build your trade.
Practical training for the water sector, taught on a working treatment plant. Search 12 courses and 39 intake dates, then apply online in one go.
Next intake · 02 Nov 2026Occupational Health & Safety
60%of every course
is hands-on
is hands-on
Coming up
Starting in thenext few weeks
Classes are capped at 20, so every trainee gets time on the equipment.
02Nov
Safety
Occupational Health & Safety
1 week 10 of 20 places leftApply 23Nov SafetyFirst Aid Level 1
3 days 10 of 20 places leftApply 07Dec SafetyChlorine Handling & Dosing Safety
2 days 5 of 20 places leftApply 11Jan SafetyOccupational Health & Safety
1 week 7 of 20 places leftApply 18Jan ApprenticeshipWater Plant Operator Apprenticeship
18 months 12 of 20 places leftApply 25Jan SafetyFirst Aid Level 1
3 days 9 of 20 places leftApply 01Feb OperationsWater Treatment Process Control
12 weeks 4 of 20 places leftApply 01Feb SafetyOccupational Health & Safety
1 week 18 of 20 places leftApplyWhere do I start?
Chooseyour path
Three common starting points. Every path ends in a practical, assessed HRDC certificate.
0102I work in water
Upskill or refresh as an operator, artisan or supervisor at NamWater or a municipality.
- Water Treatment Process Control12 weeks
- Pump Operation & Maintenance6 weeks
- Supervisory Skills for Water Operations2 weeks
03I am training a team
Send your staff for certified safety and technical training. We invoice your organisation directly.
Ask about group trainingAbout HRDC
Eight streams,one campus
The Human Resource Development Centre is NamWater's vocational training centre at the Von Bach Water Treatment Plant. It trains the people who keep water flowing, for NamWater, municipalities and industry.
12courses
20max class size
4workshops and labs
OperationsTreatment plant and borehole operation2TradesPlumbing, pipe fitting and welding2MechanicalPumps, valves and plant maintenance1ElectricalInstallation and motor control1ScientificSampling and water quality1SafetyOHS, first aid and chlorine safety3ManagementSupervisory and team leadership1ApprenticeshipFull-time programmes for school leavers1
Applications open · closes 30 Nov 2026
Water Plant Operator Apprenticeship 2027
An 18-month programme for school leavers: classroom blocks at HRDC and workplace rotations at NamWater schemes.
18months
Grade 12Maths and Physical Science
Paidmonthly stipend
How it works
From first clickto first class
One online form, no account needed. We reply within 5 working days.
- 1
Choose a course
Browse the catalogue and pick an intake date that suits you.
- 2
Apply online
Complete one form and upload your ID and certificates. No login needed.
- 3
Get confirmation
We check entry requirements and email your offer and invoice within 5 working days.
- 4
Start training
Arrive at Von Bach on the start date with your joining instructions.
Life at the centre
Learn on realequipment
Lecture rooms for theory and exams
Mechanical, electrical and plumbing workshops
Training laboratory
Von BachTraining on a working water treatment plant
Stay on siteShared rooms and meals, Sunday to Friday
Notice board
News andnotices
21OctIntakeApplications open for the 2027 Water Plant Operator ApprenticeshipGrade 12 school leavers with Mathematics and Physical Science can apply online until 30 November 2026.14OctNoticeHRDC closed from 18 December 2026 to 8 January 2027The training centre closes for the festive season. Online applications stay open.30SepNew courseNew course: Chlorine Handling & Dosing SafetyA two-day course with leak response drills, first run on 7 December 2026.
Questions
Quickanswers
How do I apply for a course?
Choose 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.
How much do courses cost?
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.
Can my employer pay for my course?
Yes. Choose "Employer or municipality" as the sponsor on the application form and upload a sponsorship letter. We invoice your employer directly.
Is accommodation available?
Yes, residential trainees can stay at the centre. Tick "I need accommodation" on the application form, and see Facilities.