MENU
back
en
In a hall adorned with Christian art and images of saints at Don Bosco Boys’ Training Institute, the air was alive with energy—the hopeful chatter of over 100 apprentices, the proud smiles of parents, and an atmosphere buzzing with determination. Among the crowd stood Muthoni Njue, a young woman from Zimmerman, Nairobi, who has always dreamed of becoming an electrician. For her, joining the third cohort of the PropelA Dual Apprenticeship Program wasn’t just a step forward; it was the break she had been waiting for.
“I wanted to do electrical installation, but where I come from, people don’t believe a girl can do that. Getting into this program will help me prove that even women can succeed in this field. Today, joining PropelA, I feel like I’ve proven them wrong,” she shared with a mix of pride and resolve.
Muthoni first learned about the opportunity through a friend. She vividly recalls navigating the rigorous recruitment process, where her determination and perseverance paid off. Her efforts culminated in securing a coveted spot at Ultra Power Systems Ltd, where she is set to embark on two years of immersive on-the-job training.
The launch of the PropelA third cohort marks more than a personal milestone for the apprentices—it signifies a transformative moment for Kenya’s construction sector. Over 30 private companies have partnered with PropelA, opening their doors to train and mentor the next generation of skilled professionals.
For Maureen Marango, HR at Rina Systems Ltd, a company providing innovative software solutions across industries, this partnership is a step toward addressing a critical skills gap.
Maureen’s sentiments are echoed by many others in the private sector, demonstrating that when businesses take the lead, the entire industry benefits.
This cohort is particularly special. Compared to previous years, there’s a noticeable rise in female apprentices, signaling a shift in gender norms. But it’s not just the apprentices who are changing - parents, many with filled with pride at the event, tell a powerful story of evolving mindsets.
PropelA’s journey from Cohort 1 to Cohort 3 reflects a growing belief in the dual apprenticeship model. Jacqulyn Mwaura, a representative from the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA), captured this sentiment perfectly:
“We need to form collaborations that can drive change in education and training, building a skilled workforce for the future. Partnerships like PropelA are pioneering systems that acknowledge prior learning and promote lifelong learning pathways for young people.”
As we welcome this new cohort, one thing is clear: the private sector is at the heart of this transformation. By shaping curricula, offering apprenticeships, and setting standards for excellence, businesses are not just participants but leaders in this journey.
For Muthoni, Mary, Maureen, Jacqlyn, and countless others, PropelA represents hope, opportunity, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow. Their stories of resilience, growth, and boundless potential remind us of the power of collaboration in building a future-ready workforce—and a stronger nation.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our partners for their unwavering support. To the leading plumbing and electrical companies championing this program, the Hilti Foundation for your visionary investment, Don Bosco Boys Town for mentoring and instilling technical skills, the National Industrial Training Authority for maintaining quality standards and certification, and the Kenya National Qualifications Authority for pioneering systems that acknowledge prior learning this journey would not be possible without you.
Congratulations to the apprentices of Cohort 3. Your stories are just beginning, and they are ones of resilience, growth, and boundless potential.