Gichugu TVC certifies veteran mason Patrick Mwai through prior learning

Mwai received the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) certificate on Tuesday, marking a milestone in his career as a construction worker whose practical skills have been honed over years of hands-on experience. The college also presented him with a National Construction Authority (NCA) card, having assisted him in the application process, and has begun helping him register his own construction company.

Mwai currently works with a team of approximately 15 workers, and the institution hopes to help him formalise his operations and expand his opportunities in the construction industry. His achievement highlights the role of Recognition of Prior Learning in opening up formal training and certification pathways for skilled workers who have acquired their expertise outside conventional classroom settings.

During the inauguration of Gichugu TVC, the institution encouraged people who had gained practical skills through years of work but lacked academic certificates to seek assessment and recognition at the college. The initiative targets experienced workers whose abilities may not be reflected in formal qualifications, helping them obtain certification that can support their career progression and professional development.(Education News Kenya — https://educationnews.co.ke/news/gichugu-tvc-certifies-veteran-mason-patrick-mwai-through-prior-learning)

Through RPL, candidates can have skills and knowledge acquired through work experience assessed against established occupational standards, giving qualified individuals an opportunity to earn recognised credentials without necessarily starting their training from scratch.

For Mwai, the certificate is more than an acknowledgement of his craftsmanship. It is a step towards building an independent enterprise and creating a more structured future for the team he works with. Gichugu TVC says its support will continue beyond certification, with the next phase focused on helping him register his company and position his construction business for growth.

His story demonstrates how technical and vocational education can provide opportunities for experienced workers to validate their skills, strengthen their professional standing and pursue ambitions that may have remained out of reach without formal recognition. At 65, Mwai is still building, not just structures, but a business legacy.

Gichugu TVC continues to encourage skilled workers without formal certificates to explore Recognition of Prior Learning and take advantage of opportunities to have their experience recognised.