JKUAT Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Institute held a career fair for prospective students from Nairobi and the neighboring areas. The event served as a forum for high school leavers to engage and connect with the university before making informed career choices.

The event aimed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions about their future education and career prospects.

Welcoming the school leavers to JKUAT on Friday 2, February 2024, the Director, TVET, Dr. Fridah Simba urged them to select JKUAT since it is one of the leading public institutions in the country, with the latest webometric rankings placing JKUAT as the second best in Kenya.

“You have a chance to enroll in training institutions to pursue different courses. Enrolling in TVET programs may be a smart option for anybody interested in developing practical skills, pursuing fulfilling professions, and getting gainful employment in organizations that appreciate technical competence and vocational certifications,” said Dr. Simba.

While encouraging the prospective students, Mr. Jacob Kimilu from the Ministry of Education, State Department of Marketing under TVET CBET (Competency Based Education Training) said currently, it is difficult to get employed or employ yourself if you don’t have requisite skills.

Mr. Kimilu underscored the significance of hands-on competence, advising students to obtain certain skills from TVET to increase their marketability. Regarding selection of a vocation, he urged students to conduct extensive study about its marketability, employability, and, most importantly, seek parental counsel.

A section of the students who made it to the career fair

“Many sectors have a scarcity of competent individuals in technical and vocational disciplines. Employers require trained people to handle important job tasks in areas such as construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and engineering, thus making graduates of TVET programs marketable and in high demand,” said Mr. Kimilu.

“Skilled workers with technical skills often command higher wages and have more earning potential than those without specialized training. TVET graduates might pursue lucrative professional routes and opportunity to advance within their chosen industries,” he added.

The Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Dr. Joan Mutua advised students to be proactive and strive to develop their communication abilities, which will endear them to potential employers.

She underlined the necessity of matching one’s skills to the demands of the sector, emphasizing that only those who stand out in terms of unique skills may gain employment.

“Don’t restrict yourself to employment; you may also work for yourself. There are several untouched areas that you may leverage, such as consulting, among others,” Dr. Mutua observed.

Representing the Campus Principal, Dr. Stephen Aminga, a lecturer in the School of Law, said, JKUAT is committed to provide high quality training and education and settling for JKUAT would be the right decision in terms of securing a good career in the future.

“Education is intended for individuals who are uninformed, interested, modest, patient, and ready to be persistent,” said Dr. Aminga.

Jabez Munene, one of the participants who attended the career fair lauded JKUAT TVET saying the event had been an eye opener on what he plans to pursue and believes, prior research and planning of possible careers paths is essential in making the correct decision.

“This event has mentored me. I feel prepared to make sound professional decisions. I had planned to pursue a degree in Medical Nursing or Information Technology (IT) related course. With this information, I know I’ll make the appropriate career choice,” Munene concluded.

A commemorative photo of JKUAT TVET staff and the students after the career fair