As the employment rates in Kenya continue to rise, stakeholders are increasingly advising on the importance of embracing blue collar jobs.
These are becoming more marketable than white collar jobs, even as the government continues to invest considerable resources in TVET institutions.
WoK has compiled a list of marketable short courses in Kenya that can improve one’s career prospects. The skills learnt can also be applied in entrepreneurship.
Mortuary Science
The Mortuary science course is becoming increasingly popular in the country. It involves the study of anatomy, physiology, and pathology as they relate to the dead body.
It also includes the planning and coordination of funerals, as well as the provision of related services such as embalming and cremation.
There are many funeral homes and mortuary businesses in Kenya that are always looking for qualified professionals The course is relatively affordable and can be completed within six months.
Sign language Courses
This course entails learning the basic signs, grammar, and vocabulary of Kenyan Sign Language (KSL).
Sign language is a valuable skill that can help you communicate with deaf people and their families. It can also open up new job opportunities in the field of interpreting, teaching, or social work.
There is a growing demand for interpreters in schools, hospitals, businesses, and government agencies.
The length of the course varies depending on the institution. Some courses are offered as short as six months, while others can take up to three years to complete.
Foreign Language Courses
A foreign languages course in Kenya typically entails learning the basics of a particular language, such as grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
Many employers are looking for employees who are fluent in multiple languages. This is especially true in the tourism and hospitality industries, as well as in the business world.
The length of time it takes to complete a foreign languages course varies depending on the institution and the level of proficiency you want to achieve. However, most courses take between 6 months and 2 years to complete.
Barista/ mixologist Courses
A barista or mixologist course entails learning the basics of coffee or cocktail making, such as brewing, steaming, and blending.
Students may also learn about the different types of coffee or cocktails, as well as the history and culture of coffee or cocktails.
There are many opportunities for work in the hospitality industry, as well as in other industries that serve coffee or cocktails. You may also be able to find work as a freelance barista or mixologist.
Most of these courses take between 2 and 6 months to complete.
Plant Operator Courses
The plant operator course is a technical course that teaches students how to operate heavy machinery, such as bulldozers, excavators, and dump trucks.
The course is relatively short, typically lasting only 1-2 months.
The construction industry is one of the largest and fastest-growing sectors in the Kenyan economy, and there is a high demand for plant operators to operate the heavy machinery used in construction projects.
In addition, the mining and quarrying industries also require a large number of plant operators.
The course is offered by a number of institutions, including the Kenya Institute of Highways and Building Technology, the Sensei Institute of Technology, and the International Plant Machinery Training Technical Institute.
Driving Courses
A driving course in Kenya typically involves theoretical and practical training to help individuals acquire the necessary knowledge and skills for safe and responsible driving.
The course usually covers topics such as traffic rules and regulations, road signs, vehicle maintenance, defensive driving techniques, and practical driving lessons.
Studying a driving course equips you with the essential driving skills and knowledge needed to navigate the roads confidently and safely.
Additionally, having a valid driving license is often a requirement for employment in various sectors, especially transportation, logistics, and delivery services.
Completing a driving course can open up various opportunities depending on your interests and qualifications. You can become a professional driver for private individuals, companies, or public transport services.
Other job prospects include becoming a driving instructor, a courier or delivery driver, or even starting your own transportation business. The course typically takes a month to complete.
Beauty & Cosmetology
This course typically includes theoretical and practical training in areas such as skincare, hair care, makeup application, nail care, salon management, customer service, and professional ethics.
Studying a beauty and cosmetology course equips you with the necessary knowledge and skills to work in the beauty industry.
You will learn various techniques, products, and tools used in skincare, haircare, and makeup, allowing you to provide professional services to clients.
As Kenya’s economy continues to grow, there is an increasing demand for beauty services. Some common job prospects include working as a hairstylist, makeup artist, nail technician, beauty therapist, salon manager, or even starting your own beauty salon or spa.
With experience and further training, you can specialize in specific areas such as bridal makeup, skincare treatments, or hair coloring, which can lead to higher-paying positions and more clientele.
The shortest level of qualification for this course is a certificate, which typically takes 6-12 months to complete.
Bakery and Pastry Courses
This course includes topics such as baking techniques, pastry production, cake decoration, bread making, dessert preparation, food safety, and business management related to the bakery industry.
Studying a bakery and pastry course equips you with the skills necessary to work in the baking and pastry industry.
You will learn techniques for creating different types of bread, pastries, cakes, and desserts.
Upon completing a bakery and pastry course, you can work in various settings such as bakeries, patisseries, hotels, restaurants, or even start your own bakery business.
Job opportunities include positions such as a pastry chef, baker, cake decorator, bakery manager, or bakery owner.
The course duration is typically a month or less.
Hairdressing and beauty
By doing a hairdressing and beauty course, you will learn basic haircutting and styling techniques, manicure and pedicure techniques, facials and makeup application, and body treatments and massage.
Not only is this course a rewarding career path, there is a high demand for hairdressing and beauty professionals in Kenya. There are many salons and spas that are always looking for qualified professionals.
The length of the course varies depending on the institution. Some courses are offered as short as six months, while others can take up to two years to complete.
Some of the institutions include the Kenya Institute of Professional Studies (KIPS), and the Kenya Technical Training Institute (KTI).
Bottom Line
In conclusion, there are numerous marketable courses that can be done within 3-6 months. However, it is important to do your due diligence about the job prospects before enrolling.
