Swisscontact, a globally recognized organization dedicated to fostering economic development through skills training, has created the PropelA program to bridge the skills gap among young people in Kenya. The program is structured as a dual apprenticeship model, combining classroom-based education with practical, on-the-job experience. By aligning training with the specific demands of key industries, PropelA helps build a workforce capable of driving sustainable economic growth in Kenya and beyond
Burhani Engineers Ltd has embarked on a groundbreaking partnership with Swisscontact through their PropelA apprenticeship program, aimed at addressing the growing need for skilled labour in Kenya’s plumbing and electrical sectors. This collaboration also tackles the critical challenge of youth unemployment by equipping young people with industry-relevant skills, thereby boosting their prospects for stable employment.
Swisscontact, a globally recognized organization dedicated to fostering economic development through skills training, has created the PropelA program to bridge the skills gap among young people in Kenya. The program is structured as a dual apprenticeship model, combining classroom-based education with practical, on-the-job experience. By aligning training with the specific demands of key industries, PropelA helps build a workforce capable of driving sustainable economic growth in Kenya and beyond.
In Kenya, the mismatch between the skills available in the labour market and those required by industries, particularly in technical fields such as plumbing and electrical engineering, has hindered economic development. The PropelA apprenticeship program aims to close this gap by providing young Kenyans with the technical expertise they need to thrive in these growing sectors.
Swisscontact has partnered with Don Bosco Boys Town Technical Institute in Karen, Nairobi, to deliver the program. The collaboration focuses on offering specialized technical training that prepares students to enter the workforce with the essential skills needed to excel in the plumbing and electrical industries. One of the core strengths of the program is its emphasis on practical learning, allowing students to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings, and ensuring they are fully prepared for employment upon graduation.
As part of this partnership, Burhani Engineers has committed to supporting the program by providing students with opportunities to gain hands-on experience in a professional environment. Obed Bosire, a promising young student currently enrolled in the PropelA program, is one such beneficiary. Obed is completing the practical component of his apprenticeship at Burhani Engineers, where he is honing his skills under the mentorship of the company’s experienced engineers and technicians.
Obed’s journey exemplifies the tangible impact the program is having on the lives of young people. By applying the skills he has learned at Don Bosco Boys Town Technical Institute, Obed is building a solid foundation for a successful career in the engineering sector. His experience at Burhani Engineers not only enhances his technical knowledge but also provides invaluable real-world exposure, giving him the confidence and expertise necessary for a successful future in the industry.
In addition to acquiring technical skills, apprentices like Obed benefit financially from a stipend provided by Burhani Engineers during their apprenticeship. This stipend helps to alleviate the financial burden of training, enabling students to focus on their studies while supporting their personal development. For Obed, this financial support is a vital stepping stone towards financial independence and long-term career success.
This partnership between Burhani Engineers and Swisscontact through the PropelA program sets a powerful example of how the private sector and educational institutions can collaborate to address critical skills shortages in key industries. By providing practical training and employment opportunities to young Kenyans, Burhani Engineers is playing a vital role in creating a pipeline of skilled professionals ready to meet the growing demands of the engineering sector.
Through initiatives like this, Kenya is taking important strides towards addressing youth unemployment and ensuring that its workforce is equipped with the skills necessary to drive the country’s future growth and development.
