The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), and Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) in partnership with the Ministry of Education, State Department of TVET, and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, through the Dual TVET Program is jointly conducting a Student-Industry selection and placement session from today, 13^th May to 17^th May 2024 in the Coast Region. The sessions that will be held in different parts of the region will facilitate a unique platform for companies to interact and interview the selected TVET students from different institutions.

The Dual TVET Program targets over 1000 students annually from the region, including Kilifi, Kwale, Taita Taveta, and Mombasa counties matching them to relevant industries across the country. Overall, the Program seeks to revolutionize skills development and enhance youth employability by bridging the gap between education and industry. It seeks to equip practical industry skills to over 6,000 Kenyan youth countrywide by 2027, with over 40% participation from women and 1% persons with disabilities, with skills to enhance employability and contribute to Kenya's economic growth.

One of the primary challenges in the Coast region is high unemployment rates among youth. The Dual TVET Program directly addresses the issue of unemployment by creating pathways to gainful job opportunities by equipping individuals with industry-relevant skills. Through collaborations with the local industries in the region and aligning the training program to suit their needs, the program supports the growth and development of key sectors such as tourism, maritime, and manufacturing. This not only creates employment but also stimulates economic and regional development.

This placement and selection phase is a unique opportunity giving the organizations a platform to carefully interview and vet students from different backgrounds and institutions to find individuals who can bring fresh perspectives and practical skills to their teams. The Selection process will also offer students a chance to connect directly with employers and gain insights into what the industry demands. With a commitment to bridging the gap between education and industry, the Program will ensure a seamless transition of the students into the industry which will eventually lead to increased employment prospects for TVET graduates.

“The Dual TVET Training Program is not just about imparting knowledge or honing technical skills; it is about nurturing talent, fostering creativity, and unleashing the full potential of every individual. The youth are at the center point of the Country and businesses at large to attain their economic goals. As students are matched to the industry they will not only acquire the practical skills and competencies they need to thrive in today's job market but also instill in them a sense of confidence, resilience, and adaptability that will serve them well throughout their lives,” said Dr. Ehud Gachugu, Global Director of Youth and Jobs at KEPSA, in his remarks this opening while opening the matchmaking sessions. Dr. Gachugu reiterated KEPSA's steadfast dedication to supporting the Dual TVET Program and championing the cause of youth empowerment. He additionally emphasized the indispensable role of private-public partnerships in driving progress in the TVET sector.

Some of the institutions that have partnered with the program in the Coast Region include; Likoni TVC, Msambweni TVC, Ahmed Shahame Mwidani TTI, Kenya Coast National Polytechnic, Kaloleni TVC, Weru TVC, Godoma TTI, Kinango TVC, Taita Taveta National Polytechnic, Taveta TVC. Major courses that are set to be covered in the coastal region through the Program include Food and Beverage, Electrical Installation, Welding and Fabrication, Marine Welding and Fabrication, Automotive Engineering and Technology, and Housekeeping and Accommodation, among others.

The benefits of the Dual TVET Program are manifold from reducing business retraining costs to fostering a culture of excellence among the youth workforce, this initiative promises to unlock boundless potential for innovation and growth. Moreover, by aligning training curricula with industry needs, we ensure that our graduates are well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of the job market, thereby driving productivity and competitiveness.

Through the Program, TVETs will manage to release market-ready trainees who match the labor market requirements. To further support the training process, the Program has additionally partnered with more companies offering training and mentorship required to ensure students' capacities are well enhanced to meet the industry standards.  Such partners in the Coast Region include; Jacaranda Hotel, Ken-Gen, Associated Vehicle Assemblers Limited (AVA), Diani Reef Hotel, Greif East Africa, and Sifa Powerlink among others.

Mr. Athmani Mwasifa Director at Sifa Powerlinks in Kwale County, highlighted that the half-school-half industry strategy is very effective for them as a business since it helps them acquire market competitive resources. He added that on the other hand, the Program is equally important for the students as it will give them industry first-hand experience ensuring they are work-ready.

Mwanakombo Shee Mtama, a trainee from Likoni TVC who is set to undergo the Dual Training expressed his excitement terming the selection and placement session as an eye-opener. Through his engagements and interviews with the companies, he already notes how he can benefit from employers and mentors in the industry. Mtama said that through the training he will gain essential skills that will make him more marketable as well as an opportunity to exercise his entrepreneurial skills that can help him venture into his own business. It's a win-win situation for both the students and the companies.'

The Dual Training also serves as a platform for stakeholders to unite, exchange ideas, and forge alliances towards a common goal; empowering Kenyan youth through quality vocational training and industry-relevant skills development. The selection and placement sessions will be ongoing to ensure all students are matched to an employer as they are soon to start the Dual training.

This Program is about reimagining traditional onboarding processes, transforming classrooms into crucibles of innovation, and equipping our trainees with the skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of the modern workforce. Hence, this Program is a call to all businesses and stakeholders to jointly come together and support the development of talents as they also future-proof the productivity and efficiency of these businesses.