Youth have been encouraged to embrace technical courses rather than solely focusing on white-collar jobs as Competency-Based Education and Training) CBET programs gains momentum in various vocational centres.
Nkabune Technical Training Institute and Mukiria Technical Training Institute in Meru heads revealed that CBET (Competency-Based Education and Training) programs skills-based courses focusing on job-specific competencies with flexible, modular curricula and practical skills assessments are gaining significant momentum.
Penninah Ngina, the Principal of Nkabune Technical Training Institute said CBET courses are well-aligned with the demands of the job market.
She noted that since the introduction of CBET programs, the institution has seen a significant increase in enrollment.
“Here at Nkabune Technical Institute, we have a total enrollment of 7017 students with seven departments. In September 2023, we introduced CBET courses, and the enrollment for CBET has been going up and currently we have more than 2000 trainees,” Ngina noted.
Ngina also highlighted that the institute has signed several Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with companies in Meru County to provide students with hands-on field experience during their training.
Her sentiments were echoed by Mukiria Technical Training Institute Senior Principal, Michael Maina, who emphasized the relevance of CBET courses to the job market.
Maina stated that many graduates from Mukiria have secured employment through government initiatives such as the affordable housing project in Meru Town.
ALSO READ:
Kericho records 963 GBV cases as leaders raise alarm over rising violence
” Under the “Kazi Majuu” government initiative, graduates will have access to job opportunities both locally and internationally and that’s why we are emphasizing on quality trainings, marketable not only here in Kenya, but also globally,” Maina said.
Faith Wamuyu, an electrical engineering student at Nkabune Technical Training Institute, expressed optimism about the marketability of her course, citing the increasing number of construction projects in the country.
Emily Gikunda, a pastry instructor at Nkabune, also encouraged more youth to join TVET institutions, noting that courses like pastry not only offer market opportunities but also pave the way for self-employment.
“Pastry is very interesting as it involves creativity. Another thing is that, one can self-employ himself or herself as it requires minimal capital and also one can make use of local baking equipment, so one doesn’t have to buy expensive baking machines,” Noted Madam Gikunda.
CBET courses are designed to align with industry needs, and are offered across various technical fields, including construction, agriculture, and applied sciences, at different levels in TVET institutions.
By Jeff Mwangi
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
