Why TVET?

Why TVET?

As many post-secondary learners come to terms with the transition that must now happen in their lives, the biggest dilemma remains choosing the best next step. While university education is what most people look forward to, it is not the only path to a successful career.

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) has become an increasingly practical choice for learners who want clear career pathways with faster entry into the job market- better, even, if you attend one of the public polytechnics that offer accredited courses which make you highly marketable in the job space. Here are some reasons why a good TVET institution such as Kiambu National Polytechnic might be just what you require to transition into greatness:

Unmatched hands-on skills

TVETs are your go to institutions if you are looking to go into the job market or into business with unmatched hands-on skills. Training in TVETs is largely practical, combining classroom instructions with workshops, laboratories, studios and field practice. In TVETs, learners spend a considerable amount of their learning time actually doing, building, testing and creating. ICT knowledge, for example, is greatly complemented with creativity and innovation in labs.

This exposure to real tools, equipment and work environments builds the confidence one needs to interact with the real workplace. Trainees do not find a lot to be new to them, and are able to adapt quickly and rise through the ranks. 

TVET skills translate directly into the workplace

Training in TVETs is not about gaining knowledge, it is about aligning industry needs and the current market demands. Employers are no longer looking for ‘people who know,’ but are also looking for ‘people who can do.’ The difference between those two can be a whole season of life. For example, the Mechanical and Industrial Mechatronics Department at Kiambu National Polytechnic focuses on equipping learners in maintenance and repair of mechanical, automotive and industrial mechatronics systems throughout their life cycle.

Aligning with industry needs in training means that trainees are job-ready upon completion. As a matter of fact, many TVET trainees go for industrial attachments but are absorbed quickly as employees because they are quite ahead in terms of practice. An employer brings them in to ‘train’ them further, only to realize that they were ready for the job already! 

In other words, TVET training reduces the need for long induction or retraining upon course completion. The skills gained can be applied immediately in workplaces or business- sometimes, even before course completion.

Flexible entry requirements 

TVET programs are very accommodative with regards to KCSE grades. Because of the different levels at which one can start their training, learners are not locked out of college opportunities because of their KCSE grades. 

If, for instance, a diploma course requires you to have a grade which you did not attain, you are allowed to take the same course at certificate level and progress from there. TVETs are the true definition of a great life after KCSE no matter your grade.

Clear career progression pathways

Many polytechnics offer artisan, certificate and diploma courses, giving you a structured and progressive pathway to your career of choice. With skills building on each other at every level, one is able to progress without being rushed to absorb all the training required for a career at once, yet still having marketable certification at each level. This means that you can start applying these skills even as you progress, 

Choosing a post-KCSE pathway is not about following one single formula, but about finding what works best for each learner. Once you shift your focus from your KCSE grades to the options available to you, you can take advantage of the exciting training that's going on in TVETs, preparing young people for meaningful careers in the evolving economy. 

The Kiambu National Polytechnic not only offers you the best training in a variety of courses, but also welcomes you to have a chat with them about your career choices, to guide you and ensure you end up with what’s best for you.