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Swisscontact was thrilled to host an exposure visit to the PropelA Dual Apprenticeship Program in Nairobi for key stakeholders from Mombasa’s private and public sector. This event was a fantastic opportunity to showcase how our program effectively bridges the gap between vocational training and the needs of the construction industry, highlighting the significant positive impact on private sector growth and development as we explore into expanding to Mombasa.
The PropelA project’s commitment extends beyond training; we aim to actively engage and educate stakeholders, including government bodies and private sector partners, on the transformative potential of dual vocational apprenticeship programs. Our goal is to influence national policies and strengthen the private sector's commitment to these innovative training models that align with industry needs.
To foster meaningful collaboration, we organized this one-day successful visit for representatives from the Mombasa County Government, various private sector industries—including hospitality, construction, health, manufacturing, and maritime—and technical institutes. This exposure allowed these diverse groups to gain a deeper understanding of how a supportive environment can be cultivated by the government for the private sector to adopt the dual apprenticeship model successfully. Additionally, it provided insights into how the private sector can directly benefit from an industry-led approach to addressing the skills gap, and how TVET institutions can be pivotal in driving this model forward through comprehensive stakeholder engagement.
During the visit, attendees were given a behind-the-scenes look at our partnership with @DonBoscoBoysTown, where apprentices receive both their theoretical education and hands-on workshop experience. This immersive session enabled partners to interact with apprentices in their learning environments, discuss their experiences, and provide valuable feedback for improvement. One of the key highlights noted by our guests was the innovativeness and confidence of the apprentices, particularly during their interaction with the winners of the recent WorldSkills Kenya competition. Our electrical and plumbing apprentices Titus Njoroge and Emmanuel Mbaire not only took first place but will also represent Kenya at the international stage in Zambia, demonstrating the effectiveness and global competitiveness of our program.
We also highlighted our collaboration with private sector partners such as Mehta Electricals, Sawarn Singh & Sons Ltd, Mavens Plumbers, and Plumbing Systems, where apprentices gain practical, on-the-job experience. Our apprentices showcased their developed skills in electrical and plumbing trades, emphasizing the value and relevance of our dual apprenticeship model. Guests had the opportunity to engage directly with the mentors and some of the CEOs of these private companies, gaining insights into the program from a private sector perspective, and understanding how the curriculum aligns with industry requirements and adds value to both apprentices and their companies.
Engaging with industry leaders and stakeholders also provided Swisscontact with critical feedback to continually refine and improve our approach. Discussions focused on adapting our training model to meet the evolving needs of various industries, emerging technologies and exploring how it could be tailored specifically to benefit the private sector in Mombasa.
The event concluded with a vibrant networking session, where diverse stakeholders exchanged ideas and insights gathered throughout the day. It became clear that to replicate PropelA in Mombasa effectively, the model must be adapted to cater to the region's unique economic landscape and sectoral needs, ensuring it aligns with local private sector demands and the nature of work prevalent in Mombasa. To this end, Swisscontact will decide whether to expand the project to Mombasa, based on the private sector's response and willingness to participate.
This exposure visit underscored the vital role of partnerships in achieving our mission. By working closely with private companies to provide real-world experience, collaborating with vocational schools to deliver relevant theoretical knowledge, and continuously integrating industry feedback, we ensure that the PropelA program remains aligned with market demands and continues to empower Kenya’s young professionals.
At Swisscontact, our commitment to fostering impactful partnerships remains unwavering. Together with the support of industry leaders and educational institutions, we are excited to expand the success of PropelA into new sectors and regions, with the private sector at the forefront of these initiatives, paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for Kenya's youth.
PropelA is financed by the Hilti Foundation and Geberit International AG. It is part of the Swisscontact Development Programme, which is co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).