Pylon

Hoechst, Austria | November 2021

Blum promotes dual vocational training in Kenya

Greater opportunities for young people on the jobs market – made possible with our partners

Together with three other partners, the Vorarlberg-based manufacturer of fittings is supporting vocational training and the establishment of sustainable training structures in Kenya. The goal is to actively involve young people in economic life, to improve their chances on the jobs market and to establish cabinet making as a skilled profession with secure future prospects.

 

As part of a development co-operation project being promoted by the State of Vorarlberg, Blum (through its sales partner in Kenya, PG Bison) and the Austrian non-profit organisation ICEP (Institute for Co-operation in Development Projects) are bringing their expertise to Nairobi. The Vorarlberg-based family-owned enterprise is actively involved in the development of a new training programme. At the St. Kizito vocational training centre, a dual cabinet making course for young people and specialisation courses for cabinet makers are helping to strengthen the skills and knowledge the participants will need in real life. "In this way skilled manual workers in general, but cabinet makers in particular, can unlock a completely new level of quality as part of a future-proof profession," explains Tobias Joseph, the sales manager for Kenya.

More opportunities on the jobs market

A new curriculum specialising in furniture construction was planned and developed for the "cabinet maker" course during an early phase of the project. "We are delighted that we can support the local experts with our knowledge and also help to develop the training plan," says Tobias Joseph. He adds: "This high-quality and sustainable vocational training opens up new opportunities on the jobs market, especially for young people, and prepares them for the chance to actively contribute to economic life." Together with PG Bison, the manufacturer of fittings also helps with the training of the course leaders.

Modern machinery and know-how

Since the project was launched in September 2019, 42 cabinet makers – 11 of whom were female – have completed their training with the new curriculum. Blum has also donated modern machinery for drilling and the installation of fittings as well as suitable accessories, with the new equipment helping to ensure accuracy in cabinet construction. Blum and PG Bison have also brought their expertise to bear in the new design of the cabinet-making workshop, both during the planning and equipping of the workbenches as well as in the construction of training cabinets.

Blum has provided modern machinery for training cabinet makers in the training centre in Nairobi. Tobias Joseph was on hand to assist in the commissioning process.

Managing Director Philipp Blum, member of the state parliament of Vorarlberg Katharina Wiesflecker and Sales Manager for Kenya Tobias Joseph inspect the orderly dispatch of the machinery to Nairobi.

Contacts

Julius Blum GmbH

Werk 2

Industriestrasse 1

6973 HÖCHST

AUSTRIA