Fresh graduates from technical institutions across the country have been challenged to focus on employing themselves rather than chasing government jobs.
According to Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago, individuals who graduate from technical and vocational institutions should use their skills to create wealth and job opportunities for others.
Speaking during the second graduation ceremony at Sergoit Vocational Training Centre, Mandago noted that government jobs pay far less than what an individual with technical skills can earn from a single job.
“If you want to create wealth, make use of the skills you have gained – self employ. The county job is not more than Ksh35,000, but as a plumber, working on a single house is over Ksh120,000. What will you get to work on three houses or more?” the county boss noted.
He further challenged graduates from Technical and Vocational Training (TVET) not to look down upon their certificates.
“Whatever education level you have, it can be artisan, craft or certificate, it does not matter but can make you earn money equivalent to a Ph.D. holder or a CEO. There is money to be made if you utilize those skills,” Mandago insisted.
The County Government of Uasin Gishu has in the past 9 years invested heavily in supporting students to join TVETs, even as it works on equipping Technical Vocational Colleges (VTCs).
Currently, there are 12 VTCs in Uasin Gishu, all with an impressive enrollment of not less than 400 students.
And as a way of ensuring the fresh graduates gain on-job experience, Mandago has ordered all contractors working on various county projects currently to give them job opportunities.
Some of the projects the governor asked the graduates from Sergork Vocational Training Centre to be incorporated include the Ziwa and Burnt Forest Level 5 Hospitals, Turbo Sub County offices, and 13 ward offices which are under construction.
“I want to encourage you to be aggressive. Utilize your skills and for you to perfect your skills, accept to work under those already in the field and gain experience slowly – learn from the best and be patient,” Mandago advised the graduates.
882 graduates were conferred with trade test certificates during the colorful ceremony.
The governor also commissioned the Garment Making Production unit at Sergoit Vocational Training Centre.
