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| An Investigation of the Root Causes of Skill Shortage in the Maritime Industry |
G. Nambira, T. Mabakeng
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Abstract:
The primary purpose of the study was to investigate the root causes of the skill shortage in the Maritime Industry, particularly at the port of Walvisbay in Namibia. The study utilised the qualitative research method. A non-probability sampling procedure drew a sample size of 16 managers from a population of relevant at NAMPORT employees and four more institutions. To achieve the study objectives, the researcher used extensive analysis of both local and global literature, analysing secondary data generated through complementary research outputs. It also analysed primary data, made through document analysis and in-depth interviews with key stakeholders and organisations across the Maritime sector. The study found that Namibia faces severe challenges of acquiring employees with the right skills in not only the field of Maritime but in other critical skill areas. The results show that NAMPORT, in particular, faces challenges to employ qualified Maritime skilled employees. Although the institutions' have the mandate of training the skilled workforce, the tertiary institutions' curriculums do not have Maritime programs geared towards producing Maritime specialists. The study further reveals that the critical skill areas required by NAMPORT were Port Shipping and Logistics Management, Marine Pilots, Maritime Lawyers, Marine Engineers and Seafarers. The internal strategies to cub the skill shortage were to seize opportunities to train students at the World Maritime Universities, providing tertiary bursaries, engaging women in maritime-related jobs and introducing the Catch-Them-Young Programme at the port. The external strategies were the signing of the twinning agreements between NAMPORT and other Maritime institutions, engaging development partners and the signing of the MoU on trade and development. The challenges facing the NAMPORT in acquiring skilled employees were the inability to attract graduates with relevant qualifications; females not being interested in joining Maritime jobs compared to men, and lack of Maritime skills among graduates from tertiary institutions. The study recommends that NAMPORT and the Government should initiate programs on how to attract females to enter the Maritime domain. There is a need for introducing specific strategies on how to attract youths into the Maritime fields. The introduction of particular strategies aiming at attracting graduates to join and pursue careers in the Maritime field will help in cubbing the existing skill shortage. Both NAMPORT and the Government should avail study opportunities for students who have the interest to pursue careers in the Maritime field. The Government should invest in the training of students by the World Maritime University and provide bursaries meant explicitly for the students intending to pursue careers in the Maritime field.
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