The National Youth Service (NYS) has unveiled an exciting opportunity for fresh graduates, particularly welders and metal fabricators, with 100 job openings in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This announcement is part of a significant effort by NYS to offer its trained youth more avenues for employment abroad, capitalizing on the rising demand for skilled labor in the UAE’s rapidly expanding construction and industrial sectors.
According to the notice issued on November 8, 2024, the roles are being facilitated by NYS’s established and registered outsourcing company in Kenya, which has forged partnerships with firms in the UAE to provide jobs to qualified individuals. The announcement has generated considerable interest among recent graduates of NYS’s welding and fabrication training programs, as it provides a well-paying employment opportunity in an international market.
Key Details of the Opportunity
The job opportunity in the UAE spans two years with the possibility of contract renewal. Successful candidates will be employed as welders and fabricators, with a basic salary of KSh 50,930 per month. In addition to the salary, the job comes with a food allowance of KSh 12,293 per month, enhancing the overall compensation package.
The UAE, a hub for construction and infrastructure projects, offers vast opportunities for skilled laborers. For Kenya’s youth, such positions represent an avenue to gain international experience, develop skills, and increase their earning potential. This aligns with NYS’s mission to empower young men and women by equipping them with skills that can contribute to the national economy and beyond.
Accommodation, transportation, medical insurance, employment visas, and resident permits will be provided by the hiring company, ensuring that workers have all necessary support during their stay in the UAE. However, there is a key requirement for the selected candidates to cover their pre-departure costs and the expenses for their medical examinations, which are prerequisites before departure.
Eligibility Criteria and Application Process
To qualify for the welding jobs in the UAE, candidates must be professional welders or metal fabricators, with qualifications such as a Diploma or trade certificate in welding and fabrication. A minimum of two to three years of proven work experience in welding or fabrication is also required. This ensures that candidates are not only familiar with the basic principles of welding but also have practical experience in handling fabrication equipment and reading engineering drawings, which are critical skills for the job.
For those who may not hold the formal qualifications but have significant hands-on experience in welding or metal fabrication, the job opportunity remains open as long as they can demonstrate their skills with a recent and comprehensive work history. The company is looking for individuals who are adept at using various welding techniques and machinery, indicating that both technical knowledge and practical experience are highly valued.
The online application form for interested candidates was accessible until November 6, 2024, through a link provided by NYS. Those who submitted their applications were invited to attend practical interviews in Nairobi, scheduled for November 8, 2024. Candidates who met the job requirements were to be informed of the time and location for the interviews.
This initiative is part of NYS’s broader strategy to create meaningful employment opportunities for Kenyan youth, particularly those trained in technical and vocational disciplines. It emphasizes the importance of skill-based education and international collaboration in providing youth with sustainable careers.
NYS’s Role in Youth Empowerment
The National Youth Service (NYS) has long been committed to empowering Kenyan youth by offering training and opportunities that serve national and international needs. NYS recruits young men and women from across Kenya, offering them professional and technical training in a variety of sectors. This includes fields such as welding, metal fabrication, plumbing, carpentry, and electrical work, among others.
The training provided by NYS equips young people with the practical skills needed to compete in the labor market. NYS is instrumental in building a skilled workforce, particularly in technical fields, which are essential for national development. In this instance, the UAE job placements demonstrate how NYS is not only preparing young people to serve locally but also to take on challenges in international markets.
By facilitating these overseas job placements, NYS is broadening the horizons for young Kenyans, providing them with a chance to gain international exposure and valuable work experience. This experience can significantly enhance their future employability, whether they choose to return to Kenya after their contract or pursue further opportunities abroad.
Challenges and Opportunities for Kenyan Workers Abroad
While these job placements represent a significant opportunity, it’s important to acknowledge the challenges that come with working abroad. Kenyan workers in foreign countries often face issues such as cultural adjustment, different work conditions, and sometimes exploitation by unscrupulous employers. However, by partnering with a registered and reliable outsourcing company, NYS is striving to ensure that Kenyan workers are well-supported and protected in their employment.