Don Bosco Boys Town

PropelA Dual Apprenticeship Programme

  • PropelA Plumbing Apprentices use high-end machines during a practical session at the plumbing workshops at Don Bosco Boys
  • PropelA Plumbing Apprentices do their practicals at the state of the art plumbing workshop at Don Bosco Boys Town
  • PropelA Electrical Trainer instructs apprentices during a trainingsession

Don Bosco Boys Town is proud to partner with Swisscontact as the vocational school partner of choice to implement the PropelA Dual Apprenticeship Programme. This programme aligns with our commitment to providing comprehensive education that encompasses technical skills, moral values, and holistic human development to empower young men and women to become productive and respected citizens of their country.

About the PropelA Dual Apprenticeship Programme:

Kenya’s construction sector is growing rapidly but faces a skilled labor shortage in trades like electrical and plumbing. Many vocational schools provide training that does not align with industry needs, and private sector involvement in the dual VET model remains unclear. Each year, about one million young people enter the job market, struggling to find employment. While VET could help address youth unemployment and drive economic growth, it often operates separately from industry demands, leading to a mismatch in skills, especially in the construction sector.

To address this, the Hilti Foundation and Swisscontact initiated the PropelA Dual Apprenticeship Programme for the construction industry in Kenya. Funded by the Hilti Foundation and supported by international partners such as Geberit International AG, the programme is implemented by Swisscontact. PropelA is developing a skilled workforce that meets industry needs, currently focusing on plumbing and electrical trades.

Since 2022, the PropelA project has fostered partnerships with over 40 companies in the Nairobi area and has facilitated access to dual training for over 300 students. All apprentices are formally employed under a two-year apprenticeship contract. This flagship project is a groundbreaking approach to systemic VET development, positioning the private sector in a leading role.

The project targets young men and women aged 18-24 who have completed four years of secondary school with a minimum grade of D+. The curriculum is modelled on the Swiss dual apprenticeship system but has been localized for effectiveness in the Kenyan context. The National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) has accredited the programme for national recognition at KNQF Level 5.

The programme aims to improve technical skills and hands-on experience in installing electrical and plumbing systems while also addressing work attitudes regarding safety standards, time management, and the efficient and sustainable use of materials and resources.

Key Achievements of the PropelA Dual Apprenticeship Programme (2022–2025) in Partnership with Don Bosco Boys Town:

Empowering Youth in Kenya:

  • 300+ young people engaged in the programme.
  • 76 apprentices from the pioneer cohort graduated in January 25, 2025.

Celebrating Excellence:

  • 2 World Skills Kenya Competition winners in electrical and plumbing trades will represent Kenya at the international stage in March 2025.

Breaking Gender Barriers:

  • Increased female enrollment over the years:
    • 25% in 2022 (plumbing trade only).
    • 13% in 2023 (plumbing and electrical trades).
    • 22% in 2024 (plumbing and electrical trades).

Strengthening Industry Partnerships:

  • Partnered with over 40 leading private companies since 2022 to provide hands-on, practical training, reinforcing the connection between education and industry skills.

Investing in Quality Education:

  • With support from the Hilti Foundation and Geberit AG, established two state-of-the-art workshops for plumbing and electrical trades here at Don Bosco Boys Town, furnished with industry-standard tools and materials to enhance learning experiences

Adopted the Curriculum Training Plan to Fit Industry Needs:

  • Implemented a private sector-driven curriculum training plan developed to ensure alignment with real-world industry demands, enhancing the relevance and impact of training.

Program Scale-up and Expansion Beyond Borders:

  • Launched a Private Sector-Led Dual Apprenticeship model, creating a base model for replication across East Africa and beyond, paving the way for sustainable growth and impact.

Excellence in Learning:

  • 99% of Cohort 1 apprentices passed the NITA Assessments.

We are proud to be part of this transformative journey.

NB: PropelA’s intake takes place annually between July and August. if you would like to be part of the part of the waiting list, register here:

For more information about the PropelA Dual Apprenticeship Programme, please visit the project website: Improving skills for young plumbers and electricians through dual apprenticeship training (PropelA) – Projects – Site

About Swisscontact:

Swisscontact is an independent non-profit development organisation established in 1959 by representatives of the Swiss private sector and civil society. Our development work focuses on unleashing the potential of private initiatives in developing and emerging countries.

We foster sustainable and inclusive economic development with the objective of improving the quality of life for all. Our work is based on three foundational pillars: strengthening individuals’ competencies to improve their income and employment opportunities; enhancing business competitiveness to promote growth and resilience; and fostering socio-economic systems that support widespread prosperity. Swisscontact is active in 41 countries, managing over 130 projects with 1,400 employees. The organisation is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland.

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