Vocational Schools boosted as 25 TVET lecturers begin advanced technology training to increase the occupational prospects of TVET graduate

25 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) lecturers from 10 National Polytechnics across the country have begun training on advanced technology skills courtesy of Huawei, just a few weeks after the global technology leader signed an agreement with the Ministry of Education’s State Department for Vocational and Technical Training to improve ICT capacity within the technical learning institutions.

The trainers commenced the first course on Security on 9^th August 2021. Security in ICT is a priority trading in Kenya fast growing ICT sector. The. ICT security offers vast jobs opportunities in the future. The train the trainer (TTT) programme delivered by Huawei certified trainers will run for 10 days and thereafter the lecturers will sit for a globally recognized Huawei certification. This will guarantee that industry level ICT training is delivered by them to over 1,000 students to better prepare them to get jobs in the ICT industry.

Information and communications technology (ICT) is one of the fastest growing sectors in the country according to Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), ranking third over the last three quarters, and first amongst the service sectors. The fast-growing sector was also picked in a recent Brookings and KIPPRA report alongside horticulture and tourism as a significant source for youth wage employment in the future.

More students are preferring to join TVETs, a sign that the government’s efforts to grow enrolment in the institutions is bearing fruit. The number of TVETs nationwide is now over 2,000 and the student enrollment increased over 30% in 2019. As a critical source of training for youth, it is essential that they can offer high-level, relevant, and market-ready training programs.

The rapid changes brought about by the ever changing digital and ICT space have led to the drastic changes in the skill sets necessary for the job market and life in general. ICT skills are now becoming endemic and necessary across all other sectors of the economy and security is a critical cross-cutting area of great use. Therefore, incorporating and addressing the changes brought about by digital transformation into the curriculum is crucial.

For TVETS to better embrace innovation and digitalization to achieve the critical social and economic goals that Kenya seeks, it is essential to emphasize and support upskilling and reskilling within the institutions. This can be enabled through public private partnerships thereby facilitating innovation locally. Additionally, this guarantees high quality learning experience within the institutions therefore enabling rewarding careers in the current digital age.

Huawei experts have trained and certified lecturers from 51 Universities, colleges and training centers in Kenya through the ICT Academy program and the local lecturers from University of Nairobi, Jomo Kenyatta University, Zetech University, Kenyatta University and Laikipia University are providing the training, combining the global expertise from Huawei certification courses alongside their local understanding of the situation, context and needs.

The 10 National Polytechnics include Kisumu, Northeastern, Kabete, Kenya Coast, Kitale, Kisii, Nyeri, Sigalagala, Nyandarua and Meru national polytechnic will benefit from the recent partnership through training following the recent partnership. This is an excellent example of collaboration between government, academia and private sector which is also a sustainable mechanism for building and transferring expertise within Kenya.

During the launch of program the Assistant Director, Vocational and Technical Education Mr. Ephraim Munene noted that the design of the ICT training program was in accordance with the world best practice. “Building the capacity of trainers first will ensure seamlessly implementation of the program and quality skills training. The program will build digital and ICT talent that will increase the occupational prospects of the youth.” he added. The program ICT completion and job fairs will spur interest and innovations among the youth appreciating Huawei for its Corporate Social Responsibility.

“Huawei is committed to making a positive contribution towards ICT Skills development in Kenya and our recent collaboration with the Ministry of Education launched in July 2021 will enable more young students at TVET to access latest digital skills training and certification and increase ability to apply for opportunities in ICT field. Our partnership will begin with teacher training and later extend to student training by September this year” Michael Kamau – Huawei ICT Academy Manager, Kenya