Chinese firm AVIC International said that it has trained 256 African youth in construction-related technical skills over the last three months.
The youth from six African countries including Kenya, Egypt, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Ghana, and Uganda were participants in the 7th edition of the Africa Tech Challenge (ATC), said AVIC in a statement issued in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital on Friday evening.
“The participants in ATC Season 7 have learned critical skills in drafting and reading construction designs by using CAD technology. Furthermore, as a result of the ongoing training and expert talks, the youth have formed essential connections with individuals working in the industry,” read the statement.
AVIC also announced the top three students from each of the six countries competing in season 7 of the ATC.
According to the Chinese firm, the top students will advance to the next round of competition and travel to Nairobi for the grand finale.
John Macdonald Karuga, a student at Kenya’s Gatundu South Technical and Vocational College who attended the training, said that the ATC is a youth empowerment initiative designed to impart technical skills to young people.
Karuga added that he received expertise on how to utilize the latest technology to effectively produce drawings of buildings that adhere to international standards.
He noted that the training is valuable because he will be granted an ATC Certificate that will greatly enhance his employability in the job market.
