Enhancing competencies through skills-focused curricula
The School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA) on 25th January, 2023 held a Career Day that brought together industry players, students, alumni, and the regulatory bodies.
The well attended meeting in the Multi-Purpose Hall (MPH) kicked off at 9:00am. MUST partners from Trident Vocational Training Career – Nairobi made powerful presentations regarding skills and competences in high demand in the Building Services sector such as Plumbing, Ventilation and Air conditioner among others. They impressed upon students to seek to acquire additional skills besides the knowledge in their various undergraduate programmes. The company also promised to offer attachment placements in their on-going projects.
An online interactive session followed where two Bachelor of Technology alumni – Jane Wambui, (currently pursuing Master of Science in Green Science and Engineering at the Sophia University in Japan) and Samuel Okoth (currently engaged as a trainer in a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution) shared their experiences in the world of work. The alumni also engaged the participants on the difference between Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Technology courses.
The School of Engineering and Architecture is in the process of developing 5-year Bachelor of Science Programmes that will provide entry points for all those that desire to enter engineering programmes.
The students were also encouraged to form their own Engineering Technology Students Association to spearhead professional and licensing issues that need to be addressed by various stakeholders such as Kenya Engineering Technology Registration Board (KETRB), National Construction Authority (NCA), Commission for University Education (CUE), Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) and the Ministry of Roads and Transport from time to time.
It was clear from the interactions that the job market has numerous opportunities. It was also made abundantly clear that formal employment presents few opportunities because of the harsh economic climate that has stagnated growth in many sectors of the economy. The current mindset must shift to job creation.