21Oct
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.
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NamWater Human Resource Development Centre
Skills for Namibia's water sector
Practical courses for operators, artisans and technicians, taught on a working treatment plant at Von Bach. For NamWater staff, municipalities, companies and school leavers.
- 12courses
- 39intakes a year
- 20max per class
Municipalities, mines and contractors can book group intakes for safety and technical courses. We invoice your organisation directly.
Send an enquiryAll courses at a glance
Compare our 12 courses
Duration, level, fee and the next intake for every HRDC course. Open a course for its modules and entry requirements.
| Course | Stream | Duration | Level | Fee | Next intake | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water Treatment Process Control | Operations | 12 weeks | NQF Level 3 | N$ 18,500 | 01 Feb 2027 | |
| Water Reticulation & Plumbing | Trades | 8 weeks | NQF Level 2 | N$ 14,200 | 15 Feb 2027 | |
| Pump Operation & Maintenance | Mechanical | 6 weeks | NQF Level 3 | N$ 12,800 | 01 Mar 2027 | |
| Electrical Installation (Level 2) | Electrical | 10 weeks | NQF Level 2 | N$ 16,900 | 08 Mar 2027 | |
| Water Quality Sampling | Scientific | 2 weeks | Short course | N$ 6,400 | 12 Apr 2027 | |
| Occupational Health & Safety | Safety | 1 week | Short course | N$ 3,600 | 02 Nov 2026 | |
| Borehole Operation & Groundwater Monitoring | Operations | 3 weeks | NQF Level 3 | N$ 8,900 | 10 May 2027 | |
| Water Plant Operator Apprenticeship | Apprenticeship | 18 months | NQF Level 3 | Sponsored (stipend paid) | 18 Jan 2027 | |
| First Aid Level 1 | Safety | 3 days | Short course | N$ 1,950 | 23 Nov 2026 | |
| Supervisory Skills for Water Operations | Management | 2 weeks | Short course | N$ 7,500 | 07 Jun 2027 | |
| Chlorine Handling & Dosing Safety | Safety | 2 days | Short course | N$ 1,400 | 07 Dec 2026 | |
| Pipe Fitting & Welding (HDPE and Steel) | Trades | 4 weeks | NQF Level 2 | N$ 9,800 | 14 Jun 2027 |
Training timetable
The year at a glance
Number of intakes starting each month, by stream. Select a number to see those dates in the calendar.
Why HRDC
60%
of every course is spent hands-on
The HRDC is NamWater's own training centre. It was set up to build the skills a water utility depends on, so the training is as close to the job as it gets.
About HRDCA working plant
You train on the Von Bach Water Treatment Plant, not a simulator.
Classes of 20 or fewer
Every trainee gets time on the pumps, panels and test kits.
Assessed on what you can do
Competence-based assessment and an HRDC certificate.
Stay on site
Rooms and meals for residential trainees, Sunday to Friday.
Apprenticeship 2027
18 months from school to plant operator
For Grade 12 school leavers with Mathematics and Physical Science. A monthly stipend is paid throughout.
Months 1 to 4
Classroom and workshop at HRDC
Water treatment theory, safety, maths for operators and workshop basics.
Months 5 to 15
Workplace rotations
Supervised shifts at NamWater schemes, with a mentor and a logbook.
Months 16 to 18
Assessment
Practical and written assessment, then your HRDC certificate.
How to apply
One form, no login
- 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.
News & notices
Latest from the HRDC
HRDC closed from 18 December 2026 to 8 January 2027
New course: Chlorine Handling & Dosing Safety
Common questions
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.
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.