PropelA Apprenticeship Programme

PropelA Apprenticeship Programme PropelA is a groundbreaking vocational training project in Kenya that equips young individuals with essential professional skills for the construction sector.

PropelA works closely with leading local businesses and vocational schools to deliver employer-guided dual apprenticeships. The project is financed by the Hilti Foundation and Geberit International AG. It is part of Swisscontact’s Development Programme, which is co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.

06/05/2026

To become a well‑rounded technician, one needs not only strong technical skills but also essential soft skills. Ruth Njeri, a PropelA alumna from the first cohort, is currently employed at Plumbing Systems Limited, where she began her journey as an apprentice and has since grown into a full‑time plumber.

Ruth reflects on the trainings she underwent during the PropelA programme, which played a key role in shaping her professional growth. From Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) to soft skills training, she gained valuable competencies that boosted her confidence and strengthened her communication and negotiation skills, enabling her to thrive in her career.

Through its holistic training model, the PropelA programme equips apprentices with both technical and soft skills, preparing them to become well‑rounded, industry‑ready professionals.

Watch the video to hear more from Ruth.

To learn more about PropelA, visit our website using the link below:
https://www.swisscontact.org/en/projects/improving-skills-for-plumbers-and-electricians-through-dual-apprenticeship-training-propela



04/05/2026

The National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) is one of PropelA’s key partners and is responsible for accrediting the program.

PropelA apprentices receive the National Skills Certificate IV (NSC IV) upon successful completion of the two-year training program. Through NITA certification, electrical graduates are eligible to register with the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA). This ensures that technicians not only attain NITA certification but also have the opportunity to be professionally registered with EPRA.

We value our partnership with NITA in ensuring that young people acquire industry-approved technical skills that meet national standards.

Are you interested in joining the PropelA Cohort 5 waiting list? Use the link below:

https://forms.office.com/e/2suTYsGbtn



09/04/2026

The future of in Kenya won’t be defined by what young people learn; but by how well that learning translates into real careers.

Mendi Njonjo challenges us to rethink ; not just as training, but also as a pathway to meaningful, market-aligned careers. She highlights a key gap: while many young people are trained, there’s still a need to connect that training to clear career pathways aligned with government priorities and industry demand.

This is where is leading the way. Through its dual apprenticeship programme, learners split their time by spending 1 week in a month in the classroom learning and 3 weeks in real work environments, guided by mentors and trainers. This ensures they don’t just learn theory, but apply it; building confidence and becoming job-ready from day one.

With an up-to-date, industry-driven curriculum co-designed with the and accredited by NITA, PropelA equips learners with both technical skills in plumbing and electrical fields and essential soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and adaptability.

Join the PropelA waiting list today by clicking the link below.👇

https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=q4Y_PO6lLkCN-k1126uwJEar6ygmMutHrmAVJWXQn5NUOFE5MUE2VlBaWjNCMkY5Rk9ITDlLU0c5Vi4u&origin=QRCode&route=shorturl

07/04/2026

“What comes after the PropelA dual apprenticeship?”

For Margaret Muthoni Njue, the answer is bigger than a job; it’s a future shaped by possibility. Speaking during a BBC interview alongside Sharon Mosin, Country Director of Swisscontact Kenya, Margaret shares her ambition to venture into after completing her electrical apprenticeship under .

Sharon highlights what makes the journey transformative: PropelA’s dual apprenticeship model blends 75% hands-on training; across school and industry; with 25% theory. This balance goes beyond building skills; it nurtures confidence, earns trust, and prepares a ready to power Kenya’s future.

Margaret further encourages young people to be part of the programme, urging them to pursue their dreams relentlessly and take every opportunity to build a future they believe in. From the classroom to the workshop, and beyond to entrepreneurship; PropelA isn’t just training talent, it’s shaping futures.

Curious to hear more from Margaret and Sharon?

Watch the full interview and discover how PropelA is shaping futures beyond apprenticeship; and transforming mindsets along the way. Click the link below.

https://www.youtube.com/live/kcz9VQJMBWE?si=XZNnSFAhSycFtotG

01/04/2026

As we welcome a new month, we’d like to introduce our new followers to who we are and what we stand for. The PropelA Dual Apprenticeship Program is a transformative skills development initiative tackling the growing gap between the demand and supply of qualified technical workers in the construction industry; particularly in and trades; while creating clear and strong employment pathways for Kenyan youths.

Through our dual training model, apprentices gain industry-relevant skills by spending three weeks on-the-job with partner companies under the mentorship of seasoned professionals, complemented by one week of school-based learning at Don Bosco Boys Town – Karen.

The waiting list is now open! Secure your spot by registering through the link below:

https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=q4Y_PO6lLkCN-k1126uwJEar6ygmMutHrmAVJWXQn5NUOFE5MUE2VlBaWjNCMkY5Rk9ITDlLU0c5Vi4u&route=shorturl

31/03/2026

goes beyond just technical know-how; soft skills are what truly set you apart.

According to Dr. Sidita Dibra , Advisor for Skills Development at Swisscontact, PropelA doesn’t just teach and work. By joining PropelA, you’ll also develop essential soft skills like confidence, positive attitude, communication, and teamwork; qualities that make a real difference in your career. By combining hands-on technical training with personal growth, prepares apprentices not just for a job, but for a fulfilling and successful .

Join the PropelA waiting list today by clicking the link below👇

https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=q4Y_PO6lLkCN-k1126uwJEar6ygmMutHrmAVJWXQn5NUOFE5MUE2VlBaWjNCMkY5Rk9ITDlLU0c5Vi4u&route=shorturl

Kilifi County has officially joined the growing movement to transform skills development in Kenya through the PropelA Du...
26/03/2026

Kilifi County has officially joined the growing movement to transform skills development in Kenya through the PropelA Dual Apprenticeship model.

By signing a landmark Memorandum of Understanding with Swisscontact, the county has launched the Kilifi Hospitality Sector Dual Apprenticeship Pilot (KH DAP); becoming the first county in the country to localize the private sector-led PropelA approach within the tourism and hospitality sector.

The agreement, signed by Deputy Governor H.E. Flora Mbetsa and Swisscontact Country Director Sharon Mosin, marks a shift away from traditional classroom-only training toward a system where employers help design curricula, host apprentices, and shape the exact skills needed in the workplace.

Through PropelA, young people in Kilifi will gain structured on-the-job training alongside classroom learning; ensuring they graduate with practical experience, industry-relevant competencies, and a clear pathway into employment.

This initiative not only strengthens Kilifi’s tourism workforce but also demonstrates how the PropelA model can be adapted at county level to drive inclusive economic growth and youth employment.

Read the full article to learn how the PropelA dual apprenticeship model is reshaping hospitality training and opening new opportunities for Kilifi’s youth below👇🏼

https://africawatchnews.co.ke/kilifi-makes-history-as-first-county-in-kenya-to-launch-private-sector-led-dual-apprenticeship-model-for-hospitality-sector/

25/03/2026

At the Youth Skills Development Forum 2026, Anirban Bhowmik, Regional Director at Swisscontact CESAF, delivered a clear and compelling message: meaningful skills reform cannot happen without the private sector at the center of financing and implementation.

From a Market Systems Development perspective, he emphasized that training systems become truly sustainable when businesses are not just consulted, but actively co-invest in shaping the workforce they will eventually employ. This shift from donor-driven to market-anchored skills development is already being demonstrated through the PropelA Dual Apprenticeship Programme.

PropelA has successfully onboarded over 70 companies across the construction sector—each contributing to the training of apprentices. This level of private sector co-investment signals more than partnership; it reflects confidence in the model and ownership of the outcomes.

We deeply appreciate the private sector partners who have continuously supported PropelA apprentices by investing their time, expertise, and resources to train and mentor Kenya’s future workforce. Their commitment is helping shape a generation of skilled, job-ready professionals.

Watch the video to hear more insights on the importance of private sector co-investment and its impact on skills development.

If your company would like to be part of this life-changing programme and contribute to building a stronger skills ecosystem, we welcome you to reach out to us at [email protected].

Apprenticeship

When Emmanuel Mbaire deferred his studies at the Co-operative University of Kenya during the height of the COVID-19 pand...
23/03/2026

When Emmanuel Mbaire deferred his studies at the Co-operative University of Kenya during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, he never imagined that his path would lead him to a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution.

Like many students at the time, financial challenges made it difficult for him to continue with his university education. He chose to take a break, hoping that once the pandemic subsided, his family’s financial situation would improve and he would be able to resume his studies.

That turning point came when he joined the PropelA programme. Through PropelA, Emmanuel gained hands-on training and was placed at Ultra Power Systems, where he began working as an electrician.

Today, his journey reflects how alternative education pathways can open unexpected doors, transforming a period of uncertainty into an opportunity for growth and professional development.

Click the link below to get the full story of his PropelA journey.

https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/business/2026/03/student-who-chose-tvet-over-university-lands-job-before-graduation/

12/03/2026

With determination and the right opportunities, Shadrack Ombati is turning his passion for plumbing into a promising career.

Through Rope Engineering LTD. , Shadrack joined the PropelA dual apprenticeship program, where he is learning using an up-to-date curriculum while gaining real, hands-on industry experience.

This is the power of private sector collaboration;when companies partner with training programs like PropelA, young people gain the practical skills, mentorship, and opportunities they need to succeed in their careers.

Shadrack’s journey shows how the right support can turn talent into skilled professionals ready for the workforce.

Address

6th Floor, Victoria Plaza, 11 Parklands Road, Westlands
Nairobi
47996-00100

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 05:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 05:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 05:00
Thursday 09:00 - 05:00
Friday 09:00 - 05:00

Telephone

+254203744042

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when PropelA Apprenticeship Programme posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to PropelA Apprenticeship Programme:

Share