Brian Edwin Beukes

From Karasburg in Namibia’s Karas Region to the forefront of the country’s energy infrastructure, Brian Edwin Beukes is a shining example of how experience, determination, and education can transform not just a career—but a community.

Returning to Study After 30 Years in the Industry

Brian’s journey back to academic life began with a desire to deepen his understanding and reinforce the practical knowledge he had developed over nearly three decades in the electrical field.

After obtaining his trade diploma and N3 certificate in 1995, Brian steadily built a successful career at NamPower, Namibia’s national power utility. But he knew that to keep up with a rapidly evolving industry, he would need to formalize and extend his learning.

“Although I have almost 30 years of experience, I recognized the value of furthering my formal education,” Brian explained. “Distance learning used to seem out of reach, but EIT offered the structure and interaction I needed.”

The 52888WA Advanced Diploma of Applied Electrical Engineering (Power Industry) at the Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) became a perfect match. It allowed Brian to balance his responsibilities as Area Superintendent at NamPower with structured online learning, offering live webinars, access to lecturers, and real-time engagement with peers from across the globe.

Returning to academia after many years was not without its challenges.

As he adjusted to new study habits, learning platforms, and assignment deadlines, Brian relied on discipline and clarity of purpose to stay on track.

The workload was particularly heavy during Namibia’s rainy season, when weather-related faults increase dramatically and callouts are frequent. But with support from his colleagues—and the growing realization that his education was already benefiting his team—he found the motivation to keep going.

Enhancing Practical Skills and Building Confidence

For Brian, one of the most satisfying aspects of the program was the immediate applicability of course content to his daily work at NamPower. From substations to high-voltage line maintenance, the theory covered in the diploma was not abstract—it was real, relevant, and transformative.

“Modules like Switching Programs for Transmission and Distribution Networks gave me a much broader understanding of operations I’d been doing for years. Writing our own switching program during the module was a turning point. It forced me to think through each procedure with precision and confidence.”

Modules on power systems, safety protocols, and network operations helped solidify knowledge that had previously been based solely on experience. Brian could now back his technical decisions with academic insight, improving planning, efficiency, and safety outcomes across his department.

The course also equipped him for new responsibilities. While still studying, Brian was promoted to a middle management role at NamPower. The timing couldn’t have been better.

EIT’s Fundamentals of Professional Engineering Practice unit helped prepare him for the leadership and administrative components of the job, especially around planning, professional conduct, and communication.

“I felt more confident taking on this new role because I had the academic grounding to support my leadership,” he said. “It wasn’t just about doing the job—it was about doing it well, with responsibility and foresight.”

Inspiring Others Through Mentorship and Community Engagement

Beyond technical growth and personal advancement, Brian’s studies have had a wider impact—especially on younger employees at NamPower. He’s become a mentor and a role model, using his own story to show what’s possible with hard work and the right educational support.

“After I updated my LinkedIn profile with my EIT qualification, I started getting calls from colleagues asking how I managed to study while working full-time,” Brian recalled. “I explained the flexibility of the program and how it helped me grow. Some of them have since enrolled themselves.”

His passion for mentorship is rooted in a belief that education should not stop after entering the workforce. For many in remote areas like Keetmanshoop, where access to traditional universities is limited, online learning offers a practical way forward. EIT’s platform removed the barrier of distance and gave Brian the opportunity to keep learning without needing to leave his job or relocate.

Sharing knowledge with his peers and team members has also reinforced his own understanding. Brian has found that teaching others is one of the most effective ways to internalize and apply what he’s learned.

“This reciprocal relationship—teaching while learning—has made me a better leader and a better learner,” he said. “It’s not just about individual achievement; it’s about collective progress.”

Driving National Development Through Engineering Innovation

Brian’s journey is not just a personal success story—it reflects the critical role that skilled engineers play in Namibia’s development. As the country continues to invest in renewable energy, grid modernization, and sustainable infrastructure, leaders like Brian are essential for designing and managing the systems that will support future growth.

“Engineers in the power sector are key to national progress,” he emphasized. “Reliable electricity drives economic activity and improves quality of life in both urban and rural areas.”

Attending the Engineering Connect seminar in Windhoek allowed Brian to see this broader context firsthand. He connected with industry specialists from across sectors and came away inspired by the potential of engineers to shape Namibia’s future. With technologies like AI, machine learning, and smart grids rapidly emerging, the demand for qualified, forward-thinking professionals is greater than ever.

EIT’s advanced diploma has equipped Brian not only with advanced technical skills but also with a mindset focused on innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement. He now sees the Advanced Diploma as just the beginning of a larger educational journey.

“My next goal is to enroll in a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering,” he said. “The diploma has given me a solid foundation, and I’m also planning to pursue certificates in AI, IoT, and machine learning to stay ahead.”

Looking ahead, Brian remains committed to driving change—not just through technology, but through people. His focus on mentoring, professional development, and inclusive growth positions him as a catalyst for positive transformation in Namibia’s power sector.

Brian Edwin Beukes’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to learn, grow, and lead.

With nearly three decades of field experience, a new qualification from the Engineering Institute of Technology, and a deep commitment to mentoring others, Brian is more than an engineer—he’s a force for progress.

As Namibia invests in its energy future, leaders like Brian are proving that the right mix of education, experience, and passion can truly change lives—one substation, one student, and one community at a time.