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Two years ago, a group of young men and women walked through the gates of Don Bosco Boys Town armed with nothing but hope, dreams, and a hint of skepticism.
Her words echo the sentiments of many others who stood where she was; unsure yet daring to believe.
On January 25, 2025, 76 apprentices - 57 male and 19 female - ready to leave their mark on Kenya's construction industry. The Don Bosco Boys Town pavilion was filled with proud parents, graduates beaming with fulfilment, and an undeniable sense of achievement in the air. Each apprentice stood tall, knowing they had not only completed a rigorous journey of skill-building but had also gained the confidence and experience to shape the future of the construction sector.
For Dianah Muturi, skepticism has turned into gratitude.
From their first day of training to the graduation celebration, every apprentice in PropelA’s first cohort has been on a life-changing journey. Among them is Aston Mwendwa, an electrical apprentice from Mehta Electricals Ltd, who took a moment to thank his mentors for their dedication:
“I always wanted to pursue a course in electronic engineering, but I could not afford to pay for my school fees. PropelA has helped me achieve my dreams and my company has given me an opportunity to work with key industry leaders in construction. To my CEO and my mentors, thank you for the hands-on training. I’ve learned so much, and this program has opened doors I didn’t think were possible.”
These stories embody the true essence of Swisscontact’s PropelA Dual Apprenticeship Programme, empowering young people with technical and life skills while bridging the gap between education and industry. The program, Kenya’s flagship initiative, also boasts an impressive 99% pass rate in the KNQA-Level 5, with many apprentices earning National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) certifications, further validating their expertise.
The ceremony also saw powerful remarks from program stakeholders who highlighted the impact of collaboration in addressing Kenya’s youth unemployment challenge.
Swisscontact has been active in Kenya since 1997, showcasing the private sector’s role in driving economic development. PropelA is a key example of this commitment, made possible through partnerships with the Hilti Foundation, Geberit, private sector employers, and government institutions. We are focused on expanding the program into new sectors and trades, building a uniquely African dual apprenticeship model. Congratulations to the Class of 2024, you are our ambassadors."
"Our collaboration with the Hilti Foundation and Swisscontact reflects Geberit’s core values and commitment to empowering young people. This innovative vocational training program aligns perfectly with our belief in elevating living standards through high-quality dual vocational training. To the Class of 2024, your success inspires confidence in a bright future. Congratulations on reaching this significant milestone!”
“Believe in yourself—you’ve achieved so much in two years. Keep learning and exploring. Surround yourself with people who inspire you and use every success to create positive change. To all key stakeholders—thank you for your unwavering support, which has been foundational to this program's success.”
“Before PropelA, we struggled to get young people into the field. This program provides apprentices with the technical and soft skills that meet industry demands. We are proud to be part of this transformative journey.”
''This is the first program in Kenya where the industry takes the lead in the education sector, ensuring that what is learned is directly applied in the workplace. It's great to see the private sector working together with the government (through NITA) to ensure that education aligns with industry needs, bridging the gap between supply and demand. I’m really pleased to see that so many women are graduating, and even two of them even earned first-class honors! I’d like to encourage more females to seize the opportunity to enter fields traditionally dominated by men, like electrical and plumbing trades. ''
Geberit and Hilti Foundation also awarded the apprentices a total of Kshs. 2, 000, 000 as a sponsorship fee for completion of the dual apprenticeship training as an investment into their future as they go into the world of work!
The success of PropelA wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of the over 40 private sector partners in the PropelA Program.
Employers like Dr. Harish Bhanderi, Director of Atlas Plumbers Ltd, highlighted the impact of the program:
“We lack skilled labor in the market, and programs like PropelA fill that gap. At Atlas Plumbers, we’ve even added a clause in our contracts requiring employees to train others, ensuring skills transfer remains a priority.”
Swisscontact Kenya’s Country Director, Lillian Mwai, emphasized this point.
‘’ The PropelA initiative aligns with the evolving dynamics of the global job market. It exemplifies the power of collaboration between the private sector, government, and vocational training institutions. This partnership ensures that the training provided is both market-relevant and adaptable to the demands of a dynamic workforce. The initiative is a testament to our commitment to creating scalable, sustainable solutions that equip young people with the skills and competencies needed to succeed in today’s rapidly changing job market."
Additionally, Thomas Meyer, Chairman of Swisscontact Board, emphasized the private sector’s pivotal role:
The day’s celebration concluded with the official opening of the state-of-the-art workshops at Don Bosco Boys Town, built through the generous support of Geberit International AG and the Hilti Foundation. Equipped with industry-standard tools and materials, these facilities are designed to enhance the learning experience of over 200 young people including the cohort 1 apprentices who graduated.
Geberit's and Hilti Foundation's unwavering commitment to empowerment and community building is evident in this project. Their long-term vision ensures that young people will continue to benefit from programs like this, creating lasting impact. As the ribbon was cut, it symbolized a commitment to nurturing the next generation of skilled professionals in Kenya’s construction sector.
The collaboration between Swisscontact, the Hilti Foundation, Geberit AG, and private sector partners has created a program that not only equips young people with skills but also positions them as ambassadors of excellence.
H.E. Mirko Giulietti, Swiss Ambassador to Kenya, captured this vision perfectly:
“The PropelA program bridges the gap between education and industry. Modeled after Switzerland’s dual apprenticeship system, it addresses youth unemployment by equipping young people with in-demand skills. This collaboration ensures that these skills meet industry needs, creating job opportunities and empowering the next generation.”
As the PropelA Class of 2024 steps into the future, they carry with them the dreams they had two years ago, now transformed into skills, confidence, and a determination to make an impact. To our apprentices: This is just the beginning. The construction industry is your canvas—go out and build masterpieces.
To our dedicated partners, the Hilti Foundation and Geberit: Your steadfast support has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. Thank you for believing in the power of this program and for your invaluable contribution to the growth and success of our apprentices.
To the private sector organizations that have been integral to this journey: we could not have achieved what we have without your collaboration. Your commitment to shaping the next generation of skilled professionals has been the cornerstone of this program. Thank you for walking alongside us and for continuously investing in the future of our youth.
And to the Government, through the National Industrial Training Authority: Your unwavering support and guidance have been pivotal in making this journey a reality. We are grateful for your contribution to strengthening vocational training and creating opportunities that empower our youth to thrive.