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In April 2024, Swisscontact's PropelA dual apprenticeship program, funded by the Hilti Foundation, took center stage at the LELAM International TVET Conference 2024, held from April 4th to 5th in Zurich, Switzerland. This program, focused on cultivating industry-specific skills in electrical and plumbing trades, was the only project chosen from Africa to represent a groundbreaking approach to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
This project seeks to challenge the private sector to engage in skills development as active partners and influencers as it shapes their workforce. Their involvement bridges the gap between classroom learning and industry needs. By influencing curriculum development, firms ensure graduates possess the specific skillsets they require. This benefits both parties – employers through lower training costs and graduates through increased employability.
PropelA's unique approach to TVET garnered recognition, making it the sole initiative selected from Africa to present at the prestigious LELAM conference hosted by ETH Zurich University. This selection solidified its position as a powerful case study for the importance of private sector involvement in shaping Kenya's TVET landscape.
Lillian Mwai-Ndegwa, the Country Director, Swisscontact Kenya, representing PropelA, shared valuable insights and experiences from the program's design and execution in Kenya. These insights, coupled with learnings from the Kenyan experience, sparked important discussions.
"Swisscontact's PropelA program exemplifies how strategic public-private partnerships can revolutionize TVET systems, not just in Kenya but across Africa. As Africa grapples with youth unemployment, it's crucial to learn from countries where TVET is significantly impacting workforce development. We are also proud, as Swisscontact, to have presented several other projects at the LELAM Conference. As a global leader in sustainable development, we are committed to fostering strong partnerships to promote economic growth and youth employability through innovative TVET initiatives."
The LELAM conference brought together policy leaders from over 30 countries to delve into the future of TVET and its role in empowering youth in developing nations to secure employment.
This gathering provided a unique platform for stakeholders worldwide to collaborate, share successful practices, and explore innovative approaches to TVET program development. By fostering dialogue between the private sector, policymakers, and TVET institutions, the conference paved the way for cultivating robust educational systems that equip the next generation for success in the green economy.
The LELAM conference served as a powerful reaffirmation that strategic engagement with the private sector holds the key to empowering youth to build a sustainable and prosperous future. This collaborative spirit exemplifies the transformative power of private sector involvement in shaping the future of TVET.
To learn more about PropelA, click on the link below.