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At the close of 2023, PropelA dual apprenticeship program, funded by the Hilti Foundation and implemented by Swisscontact, orchestrated an insightful CEO networking event. The event served as a nexus, bringing together PropelA's stakeholders, encompassing private sector entities, government officials, funders, industry experts, and apprentices. Their collective mission: to foresee and actively contribute to the future landscape of the construction industry in Kenya.
Going beyond networking, the event facilitated robust discussions centered around "The Future of Dual Vocational Programs in the Construction Sector in Kenya: Emerging Opportunities and Trends." Esteemed voices from the industry, including Ms. Jane Kamau, Director of Industrial Training and Skill Development at NITA, Mr. Bobby Jandu, the Managing Director at Allied Plumbers, Dr. Harish Banderi, the CEO at Atlas Plumbers, and Engineer Kiplangat Chebii from Express Plumbers, alongside plumbing and electric apprentices Aston Mwendwa and Elizabeth Bosibori, representatives from PropelA's inaugural cohort, engaged in a thought-provoking panel moderated by Lillian Mwai, the Country Director of Swisscontact.
The panel acknowledged the pivotal gap between industry demand and skilled workforce, which contributes to the escalating youth unemployment crisis in Kenya. Emphasizing the imperative to reshape mindsets, the event encouraged a positive perspective on vocational training as a potent avenue for economic empowerment, countering the traditional bias towards white-collar jobs.
Industry representatives shed light on the emerging trends in the construction sector and the evolving job market, articulating sector-specific needs and emerging trends, ultimately emphasizing the necessity for skilled labor and the delivery of quality work. The call for a curriculum review also emerged, underscoring the importance of imparting real-world skills to empower the youth for competitive employment and meet industry standards in Kenya.
PropelA received commendation for its proactive approach in incorporating industry experts into curriculum reviews, aligning educational programs with industry needs to ensure a robust supply of skilled personnel for the country. The unique PropelA model, where industry leaders directly invest in apprentices, fostering long-term engagement, skill-sharing, and firsthand experience, was explored as a groundbreaking standard for skills development in the construction landscape. The insights provided a compelling glimpse into a future characterized by innovation, collaboration, and sustainable practices harmoniously coexisting.
The event also welcomed Dr. Steve Tharakan, the Head of Mission/Deputy Permanent Representative to the embassy of Switzerland in Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, Somalia, and Uganda. He praised Swisscontact and Hilti Foundation for their efforts, stressing the crucial role of Kenya-Switzerland collaboration in PropelA's success. He advocated for continued best practice exchange and expressed confidence in the program's transformative potential for youth empowerment.
Beyond the structured discussions, the event fostered a dynamic environment for forging connections, reflecting a collective commitment to shaping the future of construction through innovation and collaboration. As PropelA continues to make a significant impact on the industry, the CEO networking event stands as a testament to the dedication of all involved in fostering positive change and advancing the construction landscape in Kenya.
This project is financed by the Hilti Foundation. It is part of the Swisscontact Development Programme, which is co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA.