Youths urged to enroll for technical courses

Nandi Hills

Monday July 31, 2022

KNA by Ruth Mainye

Nandi Hills Constituency youths have been encouraged to do technical courses often considered as alternative to traditional academic routes, such as University and colleges, as it is designed to prepare students for a specific career that enable them take advantage of opportunities in the employment market.

Speaking during the 2023 Nandi Hills Constituency Education and Career Day organized by the area Member of Parliament, Sports Department Principal Secretary (PS), Peter Tum, said youths who have done technical courses and acquired trade test certificate are able to compete in the employment market, both in and outside Kenya.

He noted that technical courses provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed, thus addressing any skill gaps in the job market.

The PS noted that the Kenya Kwanza government has made it possible for transition to colleges as well as technical and vocational Training institutions, because it has ensured that needy students in such institutions are given full scholarships, hence able to join colleges.

"The only way to become independent as youths is to do technical courses. With this you cannot be beggars. Technical courses can help you create self-employment as well as acquire employment elsewhere," explained PS Tum.

Tum further urged parents to utilize all the bursary funds available to ensure their youths get necessary skills adding that education is the best inheritance that a parent can give to children.

He also applauded the area MP for organizing education and career event, noting that this is one of the best forums where residents get informed and links of opportunities available for the youths.

Nandi County Deputy Governor (DG), Yulitta Mitei, commended the MP for being the first legislator in the County to organize Education and Career Day, adding that the County Government is also working towards supporting students from humble back grounds through the County bursary program.

"In the Financial Year 2023/2024 as County Government we have increased bursary allocation from 60million to 120million, to ensure more students, including those in colleges benefit," pointed DG Mitei.

Nandi Hills Constituency Member of Parliament, Benard Kitur, said with technical skills youths will be able to secure jobs in government projects, including the upcoming affordable housing projects.

Kitur urged more youths to turn-up and enroll in different TTIs and VTCs across the country to equip themselves with necessary skills in the market, noting that this is one of the ways to tackle the challenge of unemployment among the youths.

"Technical courses ensures that students learn the skills that are in demand and that they are well-prepared to enter the workforce upon graduation. It is the best approach for youths who want to get started in a specific career as quick as possible," explained the Legislator.

He Congratulated 200 youths drawn from different parts of Nandi Hills Constituency trained by Kansai Plascon Company LTD on painting skills.

Present at the same event, Kenya Railways Technical Training Institute Director, Milly Kizili, noted that marine and maritime courses minimum entry is Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE), therefore, youths who dropped at class eight have a chance to do such courses and secure employment.

“We are the only institution offering marine and maritime courses in East Africa. This is an advantage that youths ought to utilize," she said. 

Courtesy ; K. N. A