76 youths benefit from a Swiss training programme

Some 76 youths have benefited from a vocational skills training programme.

The 57 males and 19 females are expected to graduate on Saturday 25, 2025, as the pioneers of the PropelA Dual Apprenticeship Program.

The event that will be held at the Don Bosco Boys Training Institute in Karen, Nairobi will also involve the official opening of the PropelA electrical and plumbing workshops.

The guest of honor will be Mirko Giulietti, Ambassador of Switzerland to Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, and Uganda, the management said.

In a statement on Friday, programme's management said the two-year programme supported by Hilti Foundation and Geberit International Sales AG and launched in 2022, has equipped the youths with technical skills in electrical and plumbing fields.

Hilti Foundation Managing Director Werner Wallner said the graduation reflects the success collaboration between education, business, and government fostering long term economic growth.

“Access to quality vocational education is a powerful catalyst for social and economic transformation. By aligning training with private sector needs, PropelA equips young people with the skills and opportunities to thrive while addressing critical workforce challenges," he said.

This program, Wallner believes will contribute in addressing the shortage of skills in the country especially in the construction industry, with data showing shortage of trained artisans.

Latest report by Federation of Master Builders revealed that only 2,000 plumbers, masons, and painters are certified compared to 5,000 engineers.

With the sector projected to continue its rapid growth—valued at over Sh2 trillion just two years ago—there is an increasing demand for skilled workers, especially in plumbing and electrical trades.

Additionally, a 2020 Ministry of Labour survey highlighted that over 55 per cent of firms in the informal sector face difficulty finding workers with the desired technical skills, particularly in areas like plumbing.

According to Wallner, the PropelA is modelled on the Swiss dual learning approach where training institutions and the private sector co-create a curriculum for technical training.

He said the over 300 trainees already admitted to the program spend 25 per cent of their time in class and the remaining percentage gaining hands-on experience.

Lillian Mwai, Country Director of Swisscontact, noted the training provides is both "market-relevant and adaptable to the evolving demands of a dynamic workforce."

"This initiative is a testament to our commitment to creating scalable, sustainable solutions that empower young people with the competencies to succeed in today’s rapidly changing job market,” she said.

Some of the graduands who shared their experiences said "PropelA has been a life-changing journey."

"From a young age, I aspired to work in the electrical field, but financial constraints kept me from pursuing higher education. PropelA broke down those barriers, offering me the chance to train," said Aston Mwendwa, Electrical Trade Graduand.

Dianah Wahuini, a Plumbing Trade graduate, reflected on how PropelA gave her the practical edge she needed to turn her career around.

“I initially pursued a diploma in water engineering, but its lack of practical training made finding a job difficult. Joining PropelA was a game-changer. Despite having no prior plumbing experience, the combination of school and work allowed me to build my confidence and skills. Now, I’m proud to continue working at Central Plumbing Limited and excited for the future,” said Dianah Wahuini, Plumbing Trade Graduate.