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The PropelA Dual Apprenticeship Program recently hosted a CEO Networking Event under the theme "The Business Value of Investing in Apprenticeship." The event brought together current and prospective private sector partners, vocational training institutions like Don Bosco Boys Town, and key stakeholders from the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), all united by a shared vision: building a stronger, more skilled workforce for Kenya’s construction sector.
This gathering came at a pivotal time. Many companies in the electrical and plumbing trades are grappling with a shortage of skilled workers. Traditional recruitment and training models are proving inadequate in a fast-evolving business landscape. PropelA offers a practical and business-aligned response—an apprenticeship model where young people spend three weeks each month embedded in companies, gaining hands-on experience and developing skills that are directly aligned with employer needs.
During the event, Jimmy Delyon, the PropelA Programme Lead, shared an overview of the program’s progress and future direction, including its upcoming expansion to Mombasa as part of the Cohort 4 intake. NITA’s Manager for Training, Bernard Onsongo provided insights into the accreditation and quality assurance processes that ensure participating companies benefit from a structured and recognized training approach, including post-program reimbursements.
One of the evening’s highlights was a keynote by Sandeep Main, Tax Partner and Head of KPMG Private Enterprise in Africa. Drawing from his experience advising MSMEs and family-owned businesses, he highlighted the significant returns companies can gain from investing in apprenticeships—from reduced recruitment and training costs to improved productivity, retention, and innovation. He also encouraged companies to align apprenticeship programs with their broader business strategies, leverage the opportunity to shape talent that fits their specific operational needs, and establish support structures that foster the growth and development of young professionals.
One of the key highlights of the event was the testimony from existing partners on the tangible impact of the program. Caroline Murangu of Rina Systems Ltd shared:
The evening concluded with a vibrant networking session, opening the door for new collaborations and reinforcing a shared commitment to investing in Kenya’s next generation of skilled professionals.