25 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) lecturers from 10 National Polytechnics across the country have begun training on advanced technology skills courtesy of Huawei, a few weeks after the global technology leader signed an agreement with the Ministry of Education’s State Department for Vocational and Technical Training to improve ICT capacity within the technical learning institutions.
The trainers commenced the first course on Security. The train the trainer (TTT) programme delivered by Huawei certified trainers will run for 10 days and thereafter the lecturers will sit for a globally recognized Huawei certification.
This will guarantee that industry level ICT training is delivered by them to over 1,000 students to better prepare them to get jobs in the ICT industry.
The 10 National Polytechnics include Kisumu, Northeastern, Kabete, Kenya Coast, Kitale, Kisii, Nyeri, Sigalagala, Nyandarua and Meru national polytechnic will benefit from the recent partnership through training following the recent partnership.
According to Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), Information and communications technology (ICT) ranks third over the last three quarters, and first amongst the service sectors.
The fast-growing sector was also picked in a recent Brookings and KIPPRA report alongside horticulture and tourism as a significant source for youth wage employment in the future.
More students are preferring to join TVETs with the number of TVETs nationwide stretching over 2,000 and the student enrolment having increased over 30 percent in 2019.
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The rapid changes brought about by the ever changing digital and ICT space have led to the drastic changes in the skill sets necessary for the job market and life in general.
ICT skills are now becoming endemic and necessary across all other sectors of the economy and security is a critical cross-cutting area of great use. Therefore, incorporating and addressing the changes brought about by digital transformation into the curriculum is crucial.
During the launch of the program the Assistant Director, Vocational and Technical Education Mr. Ephraim Munene noted that the design of the ICT training program was in accordance with the world’s best practice.
“Building the capacity of trainers first will ensure seamlessly implementation of the program and quality skills training. The program will build digital and ICT talent that will increase the occupational prospects of the youth.” he added.
The program ICT completion and job fairs will spur interest and innovations among the youth appreciating Huawei for its Corporate Social Responsibility.
“Huawei is committed to making a positive contribution towards ICT Skills development in Kenya and our recent collaboration with the Ministry of Education will enable more young students at TVET to access latest digital skills training and certification and increase ability to apply for opportunities in ICT field. Our partnership will begin with teacher training and later extend to student training by
Huawei experts have trained and certified lecturers from 51 Universities, colleges and training centers in Kenya through the ICT Academy program and the local lecturers from University of Nairobi, Jomo Kenyatta University, Zetech University, Kenyatta University and Laikipia University are providing the training, combining the global expertise from Huawei certification courses alongside their local understanding of the situation, context and needs.
