After completing high school with an impressive B plain, Aston Mwendwa’s path seemed clear. He was accepted into the Technical University of Kenya to pursue Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
But life had other plans.
“Due to financial challenges, I couldn’t manage to pay the university fees,” Aston recalls. “It was tough, because I knew I wanted to build a career in electrical engineering, but I didn’t see how to get there.”
Some days, Aston would sit quietly, wondering how he could make his dream a reality when money seemed to stand in his way. But then Aston discovered the PropelA Dual Apprenticeship Program through a recruitment drive they were doing in his neighborhood.
“When I heard about PropelA, I realized there was another route to grow professionally, earn certifications, and gain skills that employers value. I knew this was my chance to build my future.”
Aston joined PropelA’s first cohort and was placed at Mehta Electricals Ltd, where he spent three weeks gaining practical skills and one week at Don Bosco Boys Town.
“In class, we covered the theory, but more importantly, we worked on real-world scenarios in the workshops,” Aston explains.
“At Mehta, I faced real-time electrical problems that required practical solutions. That’s when I realized this is exactly what society needs. We need problem-solvers. We need people who can fix things.”
When asked if he regrets not attending university, Aston initially wondered if he had made the right choice. However, looking back now and comparing his experience to that of his friends who followed the purely academic route, he feels confident that he made the right decision.
“Some of my peers who went through university say much of what they learned wasn’t practical, and some are really struggling to fit in the world of work. But at PropelA, every lesson connected directly to the work I do. I was not just learning for the sake of it; I was learning to deliver results. I also got a chance to train under experienced industry experts.”
PropelA also expanded his mindset beyond technical skills.
“PropelA opened my mind to new possibilities, taught me to think outside the box, solve problems creatively, and communicate effectively with my peers. These are skills you carry into every part of life.”
Aston graduated from the PropelA program with First-Class Honors and was immediately retained at Mehta Electricals. Aston believes he was retained because he had gained valuable technical skills that were crucial to the company, had already adapted to the workplace culture, and demonstrated dedication and discipline, which made it seamless for him to fit in.
Today, Aston is working in Seychelles. His career growth, now with regional experience, has been matched by financial stability.
“My salary has increased, and I’m no longer living hand-to-mouth. I can save, invest in myself, and buy electrical tools. I even got myself a laptop to grow my skills.”
For Aston, PropelA was the steppingstone in his life. It led him to a path that is now blossoming. His dreams are no longer far-fetched. The takeaway? Gaining both technical and soft skills, and understanding the safety standards that guide his work, coupled with a rich network of experts who have supported his career.
Looking ahead, Aston, now 21, is brimming with ambition.
“In the long run, I want to grow in my career, climb the ranks, and one day become a director. Ultimately, I plan to start my own electrical company. PropelA gave me the foundation, and now it’s up to me to build on it.”
This project is financed by the Hilti Foundation and Geberit International AG. 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.