Are TVET Graduates More Employable?

Introduction

As job markets shift and industries demand more practical expertise, many are asking: Are graduates from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions more employable than those from traditional academic backgrounds? The answer, increasingly, is yes—and for good reason. TVET graduates often enter the workforce with hands-on skills, industry exposure, and job-ready confidence that many employers are actively seeking. In this article, we explore why TVET graduates are standing out in Kenya’s employment landscape.

1. The Changing Face of Employment in Kenya

The Kenyan job market has become more competitive, and formal employment opportunities are limited. Companies, NGOs, and even government bodies are prioritizing practical skills over paper qualifications. In this context, TVET graduates are proving more employable because they:

• Can start work immediately without long training
• Have practical exposure to tools, machines, and processes
• Possess certifications that meet national standards (TVETA, NITA, CDACC)
• Are often more adaptable and open to self-employment or freelancing

2. TVET Programs Are Designed for Industry

TVET institutions collaborate closely with employers to develop training that aligns with current market needs. These partnerships ensure:

• Updated curricula based on real-time industry feedback
• Internships and industrial attachments built into training
• Focus on competency-based education, where students are assessed on what they can do, not just what they know

This gives graduates a significant advantage in technical fields, construction, creative arts, hospitality, ICT, and health services.

3. Employers Want Skills, Not Just Degrees

Surveys across Kenya and East Africa reveal that many employers value competence and attitude more than degrees alone. They want candidates who can:

• Solve real problems
• Work with minimal supervision
• Adapt quickly to tools and technology
• Bring value immediately to the team

TVET graduates fit this profile, making them easier to hire and retain.

4. Versatility and Entrepreneurship

TVET education doesn’t just train students for employment—it also empowers them to create jobs. Many TVET graduates:

• Start tailoring shops, salons, or electronics repair businesses
• Offer freelance photography, videography, or digital design services
• Work in construction, plumbing, or welding—fields always in demand
• Provide services in rural and underserved areas where formal jobs are scarce

This entrepreneurial potential adds to their employability, especially in the informal sector, which employs over 80% of Kenyans.

5. Faster Transition to the Workforce

While university degrees take 3–5 years, many TVET programs are:

• Shorter in duration (6 months to 2 years)
• Modular and flexible (learn while working)
• Designed for early entry into the job market

This fast-tracking enables graduates to begin earning earlier, gaining experience, and even returning for upskilling or specialization later.

6. Real-World Assessments Boost Readiness

TVET certification is based on competency-based assessment, often supervised by CDACC or NITA, which means:

• Graduates prove they can do the job through practical tasks
• There’s less reliance on rote memorization and written exams
• Employers know exactly what skill level to expect from a certified graduate

This kind of assessment builds credibility and confidence.

7. High Employability in Critical Sectors

TVET graduates are especially in demand in the following sectors:

These are growing sectors in Kenya and the region, with consistent demand for skilled labor.

8. The Data Says Yes

A growing body of research in Kenya and globally supports the view that TVET graduates are more employable:

• A 2022 Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) survey noted that TVET graduates had higher self-employment rates than university graduates.
• Reports from TVETA show that students with NITA or CDACC certification are often preferred by SMEs and startups.
• Global data from the ILO and UNESCO also supports the effectiveness of vocational training in reducing youth unemployment.

Conclusion

So, are TVET graduates more employable? Yes—especially when it comes to job-readiness, practical experience, and entrepreneurial skills. In a job market that increasingly values what you can do, not just what you can recite, TVET graduates are proving to be more than just employable—they are essential.