TVET Webinars

1. What makes our Training of Trainers unique?

A: Our Training of Trainers develops both in-company trainers and vocational school trainers. Our ToT courses have been developed over a period of 60 years. The system is focusing on the practical training in the company by experienced company trainers who are not full time trainers but working in their profession for many years. The long term goal is to have a skilled labor force trained by up to date methods on up to date machines and equipment. A participant is certified upon passing an examination. The certificate is internationally recognised.

2. Is there a different training methodology for different ages of learners?

A: The training is focusing on youth and young adults because this is the main age group joining vocational training. Participants learn how to adapt the training methods to different age groups and different learner types.

3. Share your next training, mode of study and other requirements?

A: The training calendar will be shared as soon as training sessions are allowed to take place. We are flexible and can have the training done in-house

4. How do you ensure training is fun, engaging and challenging?

A: Join us to experience this!

5. How often is the training offered, given that the maximum number per class is 15 trainees?

A: The training is offered throughout the whole year; a training calendar will be shared once we are allowed to carry out training.

6. Is the AHK TOT Certificate recognized by TVETA as a qualification to register trainers?  

A: The AHK ToT certificate is internationally recognised but can not be used as a credit point for KNQA.

7. What happens after 10 Days if the trainee has not grasped the content. Can the time be attended or he has to pay again since they are slow learner?            

A: A participant is given 2 consecutive opportunities to redo the examination if they fail in the first attempt.

8. Are there manuals to quality control the training?   

A: For our training of trainers course we do use an internationally recognised curriculum

9. Where is your training station at Mombasa?

A: We do not have a training location in Mombasa yet but we are flexible and we do offer in-house training.

10. We are NITA Levy registered. Can NITA take care of training cost?

A: We are in the process of being accredited as a training provider by NITA and that will be possible.

11. Just looking forward to see what is unique about this TOT, and how different it is to what other similar trainers offer, including NITA, and TOOLSBOX          

A: This ToT focuses on developing the pedagogy of both in-company trainers and vocational school trainers. Our ToT courses have been developed over a period of 60 years. The system is focusing on the practical training in the company by experienced company trainers who are not full time trainers but working in their profession for many years. A participant is certified upon passing an examination. The certificate is internationally recognised.

12. What are the requirements for one to qualify as a ToT?        

A: The ToT courses are for any trainer involved in vocational training either as an in-company trainer or school teacher.

13. Are Kenyan trainers allowed to take the training? How long is the training?            

A: The training is open for all trainers who are involved in vocational training in Kenya as well as to all human resources or management staff interested in training or developing training plans.

14. What protocols can be put in place to ensure safe continuity of training during Covid-19 era?

A: Following the government directives and regular updates. Keep safe!

15. How can we train CBET trainers?       

A: CBET trainers should first be trained trainers who qualify to train in vocational training institutions. They have to be trained on pedagogy which allows them be efficient and effective.

16. Is it an online Training?           

A: No. Uniqueness of the training requires it to be physical.

17. Are there charges?      

A: Yes, we charge. Full course is 60,000Ksh and the Basic course is 30,000Ksh. Prices are subject to change.

18. What are the expected outcomes of this training?    

A: Trainers are able to efficiently pass the knowledge and skills to their trainees. Similarly, the communication between industry ad training institutions is enhanced.

19. Do you give Certificate?           

A: Yes, we do give certificates to only those that pass the written and practical examination.

20. How does the training help one to be a good trainer?             

A: The training impacts you with pedagogical and didactical skills that make you a good trainer

21. Explanation of detailed information on German Trainer & the difference with other international Trainers.               

A: Our Training of Trainers develops both in-company trainers and vocational school trainers. Our ToT courses have been developed over a period of 60 years. The system is focusing on the practical training in the company by experienced company trainers who are not full time trainers but working in their profession for many years. The long term goal is to have a skilled labor force trained by up to date methods on up to date machines and equipment. This is one of the main reasons unemployment rate among youth in Germany is below 4,5% (2019)

22. Is there a plan to roll out TOT trainings virtually?    

A: Yes, but it will take longer than anticipated

23. How long does the training take and do we get certificates?

A: The two courses we offer for the training of trainers course are: Full Version course which takes 10 days and Basic Version Course which takes 5 days. The written examination will be 3 hours for the full course and 2 hours for the basic course, practical examination is 30 minutes for both courses. Each participant who will pass the examination will receive an international certificate.

24. For those who had started the earlier training of Trainers, could we proceed virtually?    

A: It is very complicated to do a virtual training for a hands-on Training of trainers. This is because of the nature of the training and also with the technology required and expense to the trainees (in this case the trainers). Should this be an option AHK Services Eastern Africa will take in the near future it will be communicated to you.

25. Can we get the list, of course, you offer for the trainers of trainers?              

A: The training calendar will be shared as soon as training sessions resume

26. Does this program also involve the training of how to handle trainees with special needs?

A: No, the courses are to develop the pedagogical and didactical skills of a trainer.

1. I understand that the dual vocational training in Kenya is basically for the hotel industry are there other courses offered?

A: AHK has implemented the dual vocational training in the hospitality sector and will soon be starting another training in the logistics sector.

2. How is the dual vocational structured?           

A: The dual training is structured in a way that the theory is offered at school (1/3) and the Practical training (2/3) is done in the company.

3. Does AHK connect Vocational Training Centres to the industries?

A: AHK doesn’t don’t do this directly but through the partnership in the dual vocational training.

4. In the hospitality sector especially for the chefs, do you take those already in the industry? What are the specific qualifications under this training and the certification?      

A: The recruitment process of trainees is done by the organizations just like in a normal company recruitment process. Since the training is equivalent to a diploma in Kenya, the trainee has to have a minimum KCSE qualification of C.

5. This is excellent approach for merging & development via Dual system. In our country also they do wherein a semester of 6 months in TVET / Training Areas is dedicated to Industrial Hands on Training. Is this Dual Training System or can you recommend a better way for India?

A: The most important feature of dual VET is that the practical training is done in the companies and the theoretical training in vocational schools, following a set curriculum for the in-company training. Important is that practical and theoretical training periods take turns. If this is the case in India, then it is dual training too.

6. An excellent way of preparing the youth for the labour market. In Germany, the curriculum is prepared by the chamber of commerce. Which stakeholders in Kenya contribute to the Dual Training curriculum?  

A: In Germany the curriculum is not developed by the chambers but by industry/private sector and the unions, supervised by the government. The curriculum for dual training in Kenya by AHK was a translation of the German curriculum adapted to the Kenyan context with the contribution of the industry (in our case the hotels for the chef and hotel specialist courses).

7. How can dual system be supported by government legislation?      

A: Dual VET framework and policies can be developed to govern its implementation and also ensure standardization across the country. 

8. What are the procedures and requirements of bringing on board more TVET Institutions?

A: It is easy for TVET institutions to adapt to this system of training since all they need is classrooms and trainers (Which they already have). What is a challenge is bringing on board more companies?

9. Do you have plans to role out the Dual VET for Engineering courses?          

A: AHK is supporting the Kenyan-German TVET initiative a project that establishes Centres of Excellence for the Industrial Mechatronics, Automotive Mechatronics and Autobody Technology. Maybe other professions in the engineering sector will follow.

10. How many companies do you have on board so far? Which approach do you use to bring them on board? Our greatest challenge is to get industry experts and companies to support trainees enrolled in CBET courses.               

A: AHK has piloted the dual VET only in the hospitality sector on a small scale. The approach we used to bring companies on board is direct meetings with company leadership and staff, organizing and conducting benchmark trips to Germany. Very helpful is to win HR manager or company trainers for our ToT courses.

11. How can we expand ONLINE coverage in our TVET institutions in Africa to facilitate learning in future especially after the COVID19 pandemic experience globally?

A: Invest in a learning system that can offer practical delivery of the training virtually. Have trainers in vocational schools trained on operating the system. Very important is to develop blended learning courses and methods.

12. Kenya Technical Trainers College does exactly what is proposed here. What is the difference and what are the long-term goals?  

A: The difference is the pedagogical and didactical and practical approach. Our ToT courses have been developed over a period of 60 years always for in-company trainers. The system is focusing on the practical training in the company by experienced company trainers who are not full time trainers but working in their profession for many years. The long term goal is to have a skilled labor force trained by up to date methods on up to date machines and equipment.

13. Apart from the hospitality industry and now upcoming logistics industry, which other INDUSTRIES/SECTORS are covered by German Vocational Trainer Qualification and the Dual Vocational Training?        

A: The trainer qualification is independent from the sector or profession it is about training methods and how to use them. Up to date there are now 326 professions being trained in Germany and as much curricula being available. Every curriculum can theoretically be adapted to the Kenyan context; all you need are enough really interested companies.

14. What are some of the opportunities you are expecting post Covid-19 that we can integrate into the vocational training?           

A: The opportunities most institutions should expect post Covid is addressing the challenge of access to education digitally e.g online learning. Of course it will never be possible to train all practical parts online, you will always need a hands-on training par; so blended learning will become more important.

15. Since the Dual Vocational training discussions began in Kenya, has the concept officially taken off locally?               

A: Dual VET is implemented by AHK and other partners in Kenya as one of the approaches to close the skills gap and involve the industry in skills development. This is done in a small scale and in select sectors so far.

16. How can TVET be anchored in the Digital Literacy Programme (DLP) being rolled out by government to enhance CBET?             

A: Similar to DLP the government is rolling out Open, Distance and E-learning (ODeL) in TVET. For more information about this program visit https://www.tveta.go.ke/odelsummarized/

17. How can I get sponsorship to Germany as a Vocation trainer to achieve my degree in building and civil engineering yet i have National Higher Diploma?

A: Unfortunately, we do not offer scholarships.

18. What is the motivation/incentive given to the industry by German to the industry to allow this to happen?                 

We are currently involved in the Hospitality sector and soon starting dual training in the Logistics sector. There are no incentives given to the companies that join the program as they do it knowing the benefits that comes from the training. Industry/private sector in Germany is investing around 20 billion dollars in the vocational training, companies pay their apprentices, all this for one reason: When they hire their former trainees they will get the most productive labor force possible. Besides, the trainees are already productive in the second year of their training.

19. How does the German Vocational Training relate with Professional Training?       

A: The German vocational training is a professional training.

20. We would like to know how to invite all TVET Community Members in Kenya, particularly the trainers. Can you help?          

A: I would propose that you get in touch with KATTI (Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutes) via info(at)katti.co.ke, katti.tvet(at)gmail.com and TVET Authority (info(at)tveta.go.ke), These two institutions have a wider reach to TVET trainers. You can also share the information through PWG Trust to reach other stakeholders in the sector (pwg(at)kenya-ahk.co.ke).

21. What do I expect from this training?

A: The webinar was to enlighten the participants about how Dual VET work and how it has been implemented here in Kenya. Also, to inform you about the benefits of the system of training to employers and the economy at large.

22. How effective is examination and certification of dual VET? How often will training of the trainers event take takes for a desired impact?    

A: The examination in Dual VET is conducted by an independent examination board comprised of industry and school. At the end of the training the trainee is awarded an internationally recognized certificate by AHK and a nationally recognized certificate endorsed by KNQA.

Training of trainers is conducted once - 5 days for a basic ToT and 10 days for Full version ToT - this training is competency based and seeks to achieve lifelong learning for the trainers to impact the same to their trainees. AHK can however organize refresher courses on a needs basis. "

23. How do new skills especially in Creative Economy get accredited since most of them are not in any of the recognized learning institutions and universities.   

A: Kindly visit TVET CDACC for more information on accreditation of course: http://www.tvetcdacc.go.ke/  

24. Legislative efforts in place to have DTS an integral learning path in Kenya. How to entice/motivate companies to take up trainees. Most if the time, companies are lethargic in being part of the process.            

A: The best way to entice companies to take up trainees is to inform them how the system works and the benefits they get in implementing the system. It is with this understanding that the companies will be willing to invest in skills development thereby making the system sustainable in the country.

25. How to use COVID-19 pandemic into our advantage in terms of employment.

A: Seeking opportunities or creating ones that can be offered virtually. Also, being innovative on solutions during this Corona times.

26. Is AHK in a position to facilitate student exchange programmes between Kenya and Germany?

A: No. This does not fall in the direct mandate of AHK. You could address DAAD: https://www.daad.or.ke/en/

27. Is there plans to develop virtual content for vocational trainings?  

A: The government is already working on this: Visit this page for more information.

https://www.tveta.go.ke/2020/03/28/a-tvet-standard-on-open-and-distance-e-learning-odel-now-ready/

28.  From your experience, what legislation needs to be put in place to promote more dual training in Kenya?                

A: A Dual VET framework and policies can anchor the implementation of Dual VET within the legal system. However, promoting dual training in Kenya requires multifaceted approach to create the need and enabling environments for companies and training institutions besides legislation.

29.  What controls should institutional and Industry leaders put in place to ensure such partnerships succeed in Kenya?

A: For interested institutions and companies, AHK supports in ensuring that the cooperation between school and companies is smooth and also quality standards are maintained to make the dual training successful. 

30. The Dual System of TVET training addresses the mismatch between graduate skills and industry needed skills. What are the key steps and timelines for its implementation in Kenya?

A: The Dual VET system is not the main approach by the Kenyan education sector at the moment. However, AHK in its own capacity has piloted the implementation of the dual training in the hospitality sector in Kenya so as to show how it works.

31. How do you promote dual learning in economies like Kenya where there is almost zero awareness of dual TVET acceptance to promote?             

A: Awareness creation can be created through various forums. AHK Kenya has used forums like webinars, Hands on the future skills show and direct marketing/information workshops and meetings with specific stakeholders

32. How can we register for the vocational for our photography school?           

A: Kindly visit TVET Authority (tveta.go.ke) for details on how to register your photography institution as they are the agency that is mandated to register and license TVET institutions.

33. Should Industries Open their own Training centres for better skilled manpower like how in Hospitals they have Nursing College? Will the students have standard certification which is acceptable worldwide?

A: The industry should open their spaces for effective vocational learning for the trainees to acquire competent skills to match up with the industry needs. It would be very helpful when industry and training facilitations would work together closely, industry could sponsor equipment, offer training courses in their workshops for the trainers of the training institutions, collaborate with the teachers and trainers on adapting the curriculum to modern standards, develop a training plan for the attachments etc.

34. Is the German vocational curriculum tailored to meet the SDGs?   

A: The ToT curriculum is adapted to Kenyan context to give the much desired outcome.