The National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) has urged informal business enterprises to open doors for internship training as one way of equipping youth with relevant skills required for specific jobs.
In an effort to ensure a match between the skills learnt at institutions of higher learning as well as Technical and Vocational training centres, NITA hopes to produce skilled personnel able to compete in the job market.
Peter Njiru, NITA’s Officer in charge of Industrial Training, has said that NITA in conjunction with institutions offering industrial trainings were mapping out areas for recruitment of the youth to undertake apprenticeship.
“Sector training committees drawn from various industries enumerate needs per sector that inform the training needs assessment for our institutions,” Mr Njiru said.
He spoke at the Nyandarua National Polytechnic, during a stakeholders’ meeting that brought together training institutions and various sector representatives in an effort to bridge the training gap that has been cited for unemployment among graduates.
“Recognition of Prior Learning Policy that is awaiting Cabinet approval, will also help us to identify, assess and certify individuals who have acquired skills informally to allow them compete for jobs and further learning like their schooled colleagues,” noted Njiru.
Speaking at the same function, Nyandarua National Polytechnic Chief Principal, Felix Mung’atu, said the institution was partnering with other key stakeholders and other employers in an effort to produce graduates who are able to compete in the job market.
He noted that there are diverse areas of collaboration adding training institutions constantly review programmes to meet the requirements of the ever-changing trends in the job market.
In Nyandarua County, about 400 youths have already enlisted to be placed in various informal centres for training with these sector representatives promising employment on successful completion of apprenticeship.
The Traineeship Placement Steering Committee, led by County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo, observed that already 25 industries excluding the Juakali sector businesses, were willing to train and absorb the youth.
The businesses will benefit from free manpower, in return for the training.
By Anne Sabuni
