Burhani Engineers Partners with Swisscontact to Tackle Youth Unemployment in Kenya

In a move set to transform Kenya's engineering sector and youth employment landscape, Burhani Engineers Ltd. has joined forces with Swisscontact's PropelA apprenticeship program. This partnership, announced on December 5, 2024, is designed to bridge the critical skills gap in the plumbing and electrical sectors while simultaneously addressing the pressing issue of youth unemployment in Kenya.

The collaboration brings together one of Kenya's leading engineering companies with Swisscontact, an organization known for its global impact in skills development. The PropelA program utilizes a dual apprenticeship model, offering students a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical work experience. This approach is tailored to meet the specific demands of the industry, fostering sustainable economic growth in Kenya.

At the heart of this initiative is the partnership with Don Bosco Boys Town Technical Institute in Karen, Nairobi. The institute serves as the educational backbone of the program, providing technical training to students in preparation for their entry into the workforce. The program's emphasis on practical learning ensures that graduates are not only knowledgeable but also work-ready, possessing the skills necessary to thrive in the plumbing and electrical sectors.

Burhani Engineers' role in this partnership is pivotal. The company is offering students like Obed Bosire, currently enrolled in the PropelA program, the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a professional setting. This real-world exposure is crucial for developing the confidence and technical acumen necessary for a successful career in engineering. Additionally, Burhani Engineers provides a stipend to apprentices during their placement, offering financial support that can be a stepping stone towards independence and career growth.

The significance of this partnership extends beyond individual career development. It represents a model for how the private sector can collaborate with educational institutions to address systemic issues in the economy. By creating a pipeline of skilled professionals, Burhani Engineers and Swisscontact are directly contributing to the growth and sustainability of Kenya's engineering industry.

This initiative comes at a crucial time for Kenya's economy. The country faces a substantial mismatch between available skills in the labor market and those required by industries such as plumbing and electrical engineering. By focusing on these specific sectors, the PropelA program is strategically targeting areas with high growth potential and demand for skilled workers.

The impact of this partnership could be far-reaching. As more young Kenyans gain the skills and experience needed to enter the workforce in these technical fields, it could lead to increased productivity, innovation, and economic growth. Furthermore, by providing viable career paths for youth, the program has the potential to reduce unemployment rates and contribute to social stability.

For the engineering industry in Kenya, this initiative represents a significant step towards building a more robust and skilled workforce. It addresses the long-standing challenge of finding qualified personnel, which has often hindered growth and efficiency in the sector. As more skilled workers enter the market, companies like Burhani Engineers will be better positioned to take on larger and more complex projects, potentially boosting Kenya's competitiveness in the regional and global markets.

As this partnership between Burhani Engineers and Swisscontact unfolds, it will be closely watched by other industries and countries facing similar challenges. If successful, it could serve as a blueprint for addressing skills gaps and youth unemployment across various sectors and regions, potentially transforming how businesses and educational institutions collaborate to prepare the workforce of the future.