Written by The Build4Skills programme has successfully equipped young women from Kenyan TVET institutions with industry-relevant digital skills.
The programme, designed by Autodesk Learning Partner, HiCAD Africa, is delivered in partnership with Autodesk and GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit).
HiCAD identified a significant gap between current educational practices and the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) sector’s growing demand for advanced technical skills, especially in design and drafting software. The training provider recognised the importance of equipping students and educators with tools and training that are directly aligned with industry standards.
By combining practical training in Autodesk Revit and Civil 3D, with certification and work experience, the programme bridges the gap between traditional education and the evolving demands of the construction and engineering industries. The initiative aligns with Kenya’s national priorities for technical skills development in the AEC sector, supporting Vision 2030 by enhancing infrastructure development and ensuring that technical training meets industry demands.
Ruchika Gajjar from HiCAD said:
“The Build4Skills programme has been transformative in equipping young women with critical digital skills for the AEC industry. By integrating practical training with industry-standard software and real-world experience, we are not only preparing students for the workforce but also upskilling TVET trainers to ensure sustainable knowledge transfer. This initiative is creating a new generation of highly skilled professionals—both men and women—who are ready to meet industry demands and drive innovation in the sector.”
Programme overview
Over the course of eight weeks, 20 talented female students from Kiambu Institute, Thika Technical Institute, and Nairobi Technical Institute underwent intensive training by HiCAD in digital design tools. These students, specialising in civil engineering, architecture, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering, were given hands-on exposure to Autodesk software.
Seeking to empower young women in a traditionally male-dominated field, the programme is designed to enhance their technical proficiency, equipping them with skills to compete in the job market. The participants, aged between 19 and 25, were selected through a rigorous process based on academic performance, passion for the AEC industry, and their commitment to intensive training.
Marion, a Revit Mechanical student commented:
“The training program was an incredible opportunity. I loved the comprehensive approach that combined both theoretical learning and hands-on practical experience. The instructor was highly knowledgeable and supportive, creating an environment that fostered growth and curiosity. The collaborative nature of the program gave me insight on a part of my career that I never knew existed of which I am grateful for.”
Participating students were universally motivated and recognised the importance of the skills developed through the programme:
- “Before this programme, I had never heard of Revit, let alone used it. Now, I can confidently create 3D models and collaborate in BIM environments,” Sheila, Revit Architecture student
- “I used to think AutoCAD was the only design software in the world. Now, I feel like I’ve unlocked engineering superpowers!” Ogeto, Revit Electrical student
Collaboration with industry
Following the training aspect of the programme, the students completed industrial placements, gaining real-world experience at top firms across the industry. These four-week placements were hosted by organisations including:
National Housing Corporation, Norkun Intakes, Triad Architects, Esteel Construction Ltd, DLR Group Africa, Kiri Consult, Emplan Ltd.
Participating companies highlighted their commitment to supporting young professionals and integrating digital tools into industry workflows. Organisations acting as work experience host were impressed with the students’ dedication and skills.
Emplan Ltd commented:
“Part of our mission to drive transformative change in the building services sector across East Africa, we are committed to fostering innovation and nurturing future talent. And having a long-standing relationship with Hi-CAD offered us the opportunity to support the young women during their attachment training. We aim to empower the next generation of engineers while promoting diversity and inclusion within the industry. This initiative not only supports the development of critical skills but also reflects our dedication to shaping a sustainable, innovative future. We believe in setting higher standards in MEP services and are excited to collaborate with Hi-CAD to create lasting value for both our region and the engineering community even in the future.”
Other comments included:
- “Their foundation in Autodesk tools made it easier for them to integrate into our projects, and they quickly adapted to real-world workflows,” National Housing Corporation
- “Our attachment programme showed us the importance of bridging the gap between TVET education and industry requirements,” Triad Architects
- “Supporting this program aligned perfectly with our goal of nurturing young talent and integrating BIM into our workflow. We were impressed by the initiative and happy to contribute to its success,” DLR Group Africa
Several students have since been retained by their host companies, securing jobs in the AEC industry. Two have also joined the Hi-CAD Africa team, where they mentor other TVET students and support ongoing BIM training initiatives. Hi-CAD Africa continues to connect graduates with job opportunities and strengthen mentorship in TVET institutions.
Recognising achievements
The culmination of the programme was marked by a closing ceremony attended by Regina Mugwe of the Autodesk Foundation, alongside representatives from TVET institutions and industry partners. The event celebrated the participants’ achievements and underscored the programme’s broader impact on Kenya’s technical education landscape.
Leaders from the participating TVET institutions recognise Build4Skills for addressing the gap in practical, industry-relevant training. Industry partners who hosted the students for professional attachments noted that many graduates lack the technical skills required in today’s job market. Their feedback reaffirmed the value of initiatives like Build4Skills in better preparing students for industry demands.
About HiCAD Africa
HiCAD Africa is an Autodesk Authorized Training Center (ATC® ) based in Nairobi, Kenya. It specialises in BIM Consultancy, focused on empowering AEC companies through innovative Building Information Modelling (BIM) solutions. It is dedicated to empowering professionals and students with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their careers, providing hands-on, practical experience with industry-leading software tools which are led by certified instructors.
HiCAD Africa hopes to expand the Build4Skills program. The success of this pilot has proven the need for continued digital skills training for TVET students, and it aims to scale up the initiative to reach more students across Kenya.