Why TVETs Are a Smart Choice After High School
Introduction
In Kenya and around the world, the value of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is gaining recognition. For many students completing high school, the traditional path of university education may seem like the only option. However, TVET institutions offer a powerful, practical alternative that prepares learners directly for the workforce or entrepreneurship. This article explores why joining a TVET after high school is not just a viable option — it’s a smart choice.
- Direct Path to Employment
Unlike university programs that often focus on theory, TVETs specialize in hands-on training that is tailored to real-world job markets. Courses in areas such as fashion design, ICT, welding, plumbing, hospitality, and media production prepare students to hit the ground running in their chosen career.
Why this matters:
- You become job-ready in less time.
- Employers value practical skills more than degrees alone.
- Many graduates secure employment or start businesses within months of completing their training.
- Industry-Relevant Skills
TVET institutions work closely with government bodies like TVETA, CDACC, and NITA to ensure that their training aligns with industry needs. The curricula are regularly updated to reflect changing technology and market demands.
What you gain:
- Skills that match employer expectations
- Training in modern equipment and software
- Exposure to trends like digital media, green technology, and fashion innovation
- Affordable and Accessible
TVET education is typically more affordable than university and is widely available across the country — especially in urban centers like Nairobi and rural areas where access to higher education may be limited.
Added advantages:
- Government subsidies and HELB loans are available for TVET students
- Flexible programs, including short courses, diplomas, and artisan levels
- You can begin earning earlier, which reduces the cost of long-term education
- Entrepreneurial Empowerment
TVETs don’t just prepare students for jobs — they equip them to start their own businesses. Whether it’s opening a salon, a fashion label, a repair shop, or a catering business, TVET graduates often become job creators.
Empowerment areas:
- Financial literacy and small business management
- Mentorship and incubation support
- Access to local markets and youth enterprise funds
- Diverse Career Options
TVETs offer training in hundreds of different fields, many of which are in high demand both locally and internationally. Whether your interest lies in creative arts, construction, agriculture, technology, or healthcare — there’s a course that suits you.
In-demand sectors:
- Fashion and apparel
- Electrical installation
- Automotive engineering
- Videography and graphic design
- Beauty therapy and hairdressing
- Recognition and Career Growth
TVET certifications are recognized by employers, government institutions, and universities. This allows graduates to either enter the job market or upgrade their qualifications over time.
TVET credentials allow you to:
- Progress from Artisan → Certificate → Diploma → Degree
- Apply for government jobs that require accredited training
- Compete in both local and global labor markets
- Hands-On Learning Builds Confidence
TVETs promote confidence through competence. Unlike traditional lecture-heavy models, students in TVETs learn by doing — building, creating, designing, filming, or repairing.
Outcomes:
- Immediate feedback and real-world results
- Confidence to take on freelance or contract work
- Real portfolios and work samples to show to clients and employers
Conclusion
For high school graduates seeking a practical, affordable, and opportunity-rich path, TVETs are a smart and strategic choice. They offer a fast-track into the workforce, empower entrepreneurship, and provide skills that are relevant and future-proof. In a world where jobs are changing rapidly, having hands-on expertise makes all the difference.
