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"I can confidently say I will emerge on top," stated Titus Njoroge, a 24-year-old PropelA plumbing apprentice and winner of the 2024 World skills Kenya National competition in Plumbing before the winners were announced. With quiet confidence, he adds, "I’ve already worked with modern fittings and equipment on-site during my on-job training at Allied Plumbers. As a matter of fact, I am the one showing my competitors how to use some tools and equipment. This competition feels like a way to perfect my skills and see how I measure up nationally."
Emmanuel Mbaire, a 23-year-old electrical apprentice at Ultra Power Systems and winner of the electrical installation category, echoes a similar sentiment. He attributes his success to the holistic training provided by the PropelA program.
Held from August 19th to 23rd at the Kenya School of TVET in Nairobi, the 2024 World Skills Kenya National Competition brought together top talent from TVET institutions across the country. Over five days, participants tackled complex projects across 12 key trades, including Plumbing and electrical trades. The competition, organized by the TVET Authority, focused on elevating technical skills. The PropelA apprentices excelled in both categories, reflecting the effectiveness of the programme.
For Emmanuel Mbaire, winning the competition represents more than just technical mastery—it’s a triumph over adversity. As the firstborn of four, raised by a single mother, Emmanuel faced continuous financial struggles throughout his education, even being forced to drop out of university due to a lack of school fees. After leaving a temporary teaching job at a primary school, Emmanuel discovered PropelA through a friend.
Winning for him wasn’t just a personal achievement—it was a way to make his mother proud. “She prayed for me every day,” he says. “The competition was tough. I had competed the previous year and finished fourth, so I was nervous this time around. But when they announced my name and I saw my trainers rushing toward me with pride, it was a moment I’ll never forget. After receiving my medal, the first thing I did was call my mother, who has supported me every step of the way.” Emmanuel adds with a smile.
When Emmanuel joined PropelA, his goal was to gain a skill that would set him apart from others. Now, with his success and with him graduating in January 2025, he hopes to further his career by venturing into the EV or PV systems industry. He also dreams of advancing his education with a degree in electrical engineering.
Titus, on the other hand, felt an overwhelming sense of pride after winning the competition. It was a powerful affirmation that his hard work was finally paying off. Reflecting on his journey, he recalls the difficult decision to drop out of university to give his four siblings the chance to pursue their education. Supporting himself without his parents' help, he took a job at a hardware store.
“I had to fend for myself, but even in those tough times, opportunities came my way,” Titus shares. “From interacting with plumbers who visited the shop and handling plumbing equipment, I developed a real interest in the trade,” he reflects. That’s when he joined Don Bosco, where he first learned about PropelA. “I was impressed with how the program used modern equipment and stayed on top of industry trends,” he adds.
Now, Titus beams with pride as he explains how his former colleagues in the plumbing world, already working full-time, reach out to him for help with challenging projects. “And yet, I’m still in school!” he adds with excitement. “At PropelA, we gain more than just technical skills. The soft skills we’re taught really help when interacting with people in the workplace. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is how to price my work - something many struggles with!”
Looking ahead to next year, Titus is determined to win in Zambia. “I know I’ve put in the work,” he says confidently. With the skills he's acquiring, he dreams of continuing to work with Allied Plumbers Ltd, then one day starting his own company to give underprivileged youth the same opportunity he was given.
The journey of Titus and Emmanuel encapsulates the transformative power of skill development, resilience, and ambition. Both young men, enrolled in the PropelA Dual Apprenticeship Program, implemented by Swisscontact and funded by the Hilti Foundation, have demonstrated exceptional mastery in plumbing and electrical trades. Like many PropelA apprentices, they have benefited from a combination of hands-on industrial experience and classroom learning at Don Bosco Boys Technical Institute, a TVET institution certified by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA). This blend of academic rigor and practical training is core to PropelA’s approach, preparing apprentices to excel in industry-relevant skills.
Titus and Emmanuel will now prepare for the next stage of the competition in Zambia in March 2025, leading up to the World Skills global competition in Lyon, France. Their victory is a testament to what can be achieved when we invest in skills development and create pathways for young people to succeed in competitive industries.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our apprentices, Titus and Emmanuel, our partners, Allied Plumbers and Ultra Power Systems and Don Bosco Boys Town and everyone involved in shaping their journey through PropelA. This is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting future for Kenya’s skilled professionals.