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Huawei Kenya has announced the launch of its management trainee program to facilitate the recruitment for jobs and internship targeting Kenyan university students.

About 30 jobs and internship opportunities will be available to Kenyan youth with advanced training in ICT.

Further, the Huawei Management Trainee Program (HMTP), an annual Huawei global flagship programme that identifies and develops fresh talent in the STEM field, has trained 200 and absorbed 133 graduates in Kenya since its launch in 2018.

Speaking at the launch of the program at the university of Nairobi, Director of Education, Ministry of Education – State Department for Higher Education and Research, Mr. Paul Mungai commended the ongoing collaboration between Huawei and various universities and technical colleges through various programmes that continues to boost digital skills among Kenyan youth and hasten realization of the country’s quest to become a knowledge economy powerhouse.

“As a government, we recognize and appreciate the work being done by Huawei in expanding the ICT space in Kenya. With programs such as Huawei ICT Academy, ICT Competition and Cybersecurity Boot-camps and Huawei management trainee program, the ICT local talent and broader ecosystem will be boosted,” expressed Mungai.

At the same time, Human Resources Director of Huawei Kenya, Fang Zheng said the company aims to tap top talents from Kenyan universities to boost its talent pool in Kenya.

She added that improving the digital skills of Kenyan youth is key to preparing them adequately for future jobs.

The HR Director maintained that Huawei is committed to investing in local ICT talent through full-time employment, internships and training programs and in supporting efforts by the government in achieving her digital economy goal.

“We will offer internships for four months consisting of one month of group learning about Huawei products and processes and three months of practical work in various departments to have hands-on experiences. Our aim is to equip the university graduates with ICT skills and offer them employment opportunities at the end of the training period, for those who will be successful,” stated Zheng.

Thanking Huawei for choosing University of Nairobi to launch the graduate trainee program, the Dean of Students Office at the University of Nairobi Mr. Johnson Kinyua said that career and internship opportunities are key to improving competence and visibility of ICT graduates.

Registration for the program themed ‘The Sky Is the Limit’, ends on 31st May 2024. To apply, Click Here.

Aptitude tests have become an integral part of the modern recruitment process. These assessments are designed to evaluate a candidate’s cognitive abilities, problem-solving skills, and potential for success in a specific role. From entry-level positions to executive roles, various industries utilize aptitude tests to gauge a candidate’s suitability for a position. In this article, we’ll explore what aptitude tests entail, delve into common questions across different industries, and provide valuable tips on how to prepare effectively.

Understanding Aptitude Tests

An aptitude test is a standardized assessment that measures an individual’s innate abilities and potential rather than their acquired knowledge. These tests are carefully designed to evaluate various cognitive skills such as numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, abstract reasoning, and critical thinking. They are used to predict a candidate’s performance in tasks that require quick thinking, problem-solving, and logical analysis.

Common Aptitude Test Questions and Simple Examples Across Industries

1. Numerical Reasoning: These questions assess a candidate’s ability to work with numbers, interpret data, and make calculations. They can involve data interpretation, percentage calculations, ratios, and financial analysis. Industries like finance, accounting, and engineering often use numerical reasoning tests.
   Example:
   Question: If a company’s revenue was KSH 500,000 last year and it increased by 15% this year, what is the total revenue for this year?
   Answer: Total revenue = KSH 500,000 + (KSH 500,000 * 0.15) = KSH 575,000
   
2. Verbal Reasoning: Verbal reasoning questions assess a candidate’s comprehension, vocabulary, and logical interpretation of written information. Candidates are required to read passages and answer questions based on the provided text. These tests are prevalent in roles that demand strong communication skills, such as marketing, sales, and journalism.
   Example:
   Question: Read the passage below and answer the question that follows.
   Passage: “In the distant village of Laikipia, the annual Harvest Festival draws villagers and visitors alike to celebrate the bountiful crops of the season.”
   Question: What event brings people to Laikipia?
   Answer: The Harvest Festival brings people to Laikipia.
   
3. Abstract Reasoning: Abstract reasoning tests evaluate a candidate’s ability to identify patterns, relationships, and connections among abstract shapes or symbols. These tests are common in fields like architecture, design, and engineering, where the ability to visualize and manipulate abstract concepts is essential.
   An example could be an image with shapes or drawings that you’ll need to describe or identify.
   
4. Logical Reasoning: Logical reasoning questions gauge a candidate’s ability to deduce conclusions from a set of given statements or premises. These tests are used in various industries to assess a candidate’s ability to think logically, such as in software development, project management, and law.
   Example:
   Question: All cats are mammals. Some mammals are black. Therefore, some cats are black. Is the conclusion true based on the given statements?
   Answer: The conclusion is true, as it logically follows from the given statements.
   
5. Situational Judgment: Situational judgment tests present candidates with hypothetical scenarios and ask them to choose the most appropriate course of action. These tests measure a candidate’s decision-making and problem-solving skills, which are crucial in management, leadership, and customer service roles.
   Example:
   Question: You are working at a retail store, and a customer is upset about a defective product. What should you do?
   Options:
   a) Offer a replacement product,
   b) Provide a full refund,
   c) Apologize and suggest contacting customer support.
   Answer: The best course of action would likely be option a) Offer a replacement product, as it addresses the customer’s concern and maintains goodwill.

Remember, these examples are simplified for illustrative purposes. In actual aptitude tests, the questions might be more complex and require deeper analysis. Practicing with a variety of examples available online for free will help you become more comfortable with the different question types and improve your performance on aptitude tests.

How to Prepare for an Aptitude Test

Preparing for an aptitude test requires a strategic approach to build and refine the necessary skills. Here are some effective tips to help you succeed:

1. Understand the Format: Familiarize yourself with the format of the aptitude test you’ll be taking. Knowing the types of questions, time limits, and overall structure will help you manage your time effectively during the actual test.
2. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to improving your aptitude skills. There are numerous online resources and practice tests available that mimic real aptitude tests. Work on a variety of question types to enhance your proficiency.
3. Identify Strengths and Weaknesses: As you practice, pay attention to the areas where you excel and the ones where you struggle. Focus on improving your weaknesses while refining your strengths.
4. Time Management: Time is often limited during aptitude tests. Learn to allocate an appropriate amount of time to each question and move on if you’re stuck. It’s better to answer more questions accurately than to spend too much time on a single question.
5. Critical Thinking: Develop your critical thinking skills by practicing puzzles, brain teasers, and logic games. This will help you approach abstract and logical reasoning questions with confidence.
6. Read Widely: To excel in verbal reasoning, make reading a habit. This will improve your vocabulary, reading speed, and comprehension skills, which are crucial for this type of assessment.
7. Stay Calm and Confident: On test day, maintain a positive mindset. Anxiety can hinder your performance, so practice relaxation techniques and remind yourself of your preparation efforts.

Conclusion

Aptitude tests are valuable tools that help employers assess candidates’ cognitive abilities and potential fit for specific roles. By understanding the different types of aptitude test questions in various industries and preparing effectively, you can enhance your performance and increase your chances of success. Remember that practice, time management, and a confident attitude are the keys to mastering aptitude tests and opening doors to exciting career opportunities.

President William Ruto has directed the Public Service Commission (PSC) to increase the number of interns recruited under the Public Service Internship Programme (PSIP) to 20,000 from the next cohort. The President made the pronouncement while commissioning 3902 interns at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) on Friday 31st March 2023.

The President noted that the internship programme is crucial in bridging the skills gap between graduates and employers, making them more employable. He also urged the newly appointed interns to take the opportunity to learn and re-energize the public service with their innovation and fresh ideas.

“There are many things we learn in school and college, but there are many more to learn in workplaces. We can only become and get better as a nation if we learn from those who have been, so we can improve those who will be,” said President Ruto.

The President also directed the Attorney General, PSC, and the CS Public Service to restructure the public service internship programme to benefit more young Kenyans and anchor it in law.

Further, President Ruto affirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the PSC in reforming the public service. He noted that effective and motivated public service will be crucial in realizing the government’s bottom-up economic agenda.

“We are deliberately transforming the Public Service to make it adapt to the changing times and more responsive to the needs of the people” H.E William Ruto.

At the same event, the President launched the 2021/2022 Report on Status of Compliance with the Values and Principles of Articles 10 and 232 of the Constitution. The report is prepared by the Public Service Commission and submitted to parliament and the President as per the law.

Preparing for an interview can be a nerve-wracking experience, but it’s important to put in the effort to make a good impression.

Getting ready for an interview is an important part of your job search. Having a plan can help you stand out from the crowd and keep you calm during the interview.

Your interview is an opportunity to show off your personality, skills, and interests. Being prepared can help you feel more confident and calm on the day of the interview. There are many steps that you can take to make sure that you’re ready to answer any questions that will be asked.

Here are Steps & some tips to help you prepare:

Review and Analyze the Job Description

Carefully read the job description, make sure you understand the duties and responsibilities of the position and make a list of the required skills and experience you possess.

Next, you need to review your CV to see how your experience and qualifications match up with what the employer is looking for.

This will help you focus your preparation and tailor your answers to the specific requirements of the job and be prepared to talk about how your background fits with the job description and expectations for the role.

Think about examples from your past experience that demonstrate these skills and prepare to talk about them in the interview.

Before the interview, it can be helpful to think about how the job aligns with your future goals. Consider how the position fits into your overall career path and how it could help you achieve your professional and personal objectives. This will help you show the employer that you are motivated and have a clear direction for your career.

Learn More about the Company Hiring

In a previous article, we saw how an applicant almost made a mess of the entire interview by researching about the wrong company. It’s very key to know a bit about what the company you’re going to interview does and their culture.

Before the interview, take some time to learn about the company’s mission, values, and products or services. This will help you understand what the company is looking for in a candidate and tailor your answers to their needs.

It will also give you the information you need to answer questions about the company and your potential role within it. By understanding the company and your potential position, you can show the employer that you are a good fit for the team and the organization.

So where should you start in researching about a company? Best place would be their Website and/or the Social media pages. Go beyond and look for any recent news about the company that made headlines. If you can, reach out to a few current or former employees.

While doing this, you can as well come up with a few questions or clarifications about the company that you might ask the interviewing panel.

Practice common interview questions

There are many common interview questions that you can expect to be asked, such as “Tell me about yourself” or “Why do you want to work for our company?”

Come up with tailored responses and practice your answers out loud. This will help you feel more confident and articulate in the interview.

Also, it’s important to be prepared for any tests or evaluations that the interviewer may use to assess your skills.

For example, you may be presented with a hypothetical scenario and asked how you would handle it. Approach these evaluations with confidence and explain your thought process as you work through the problem.

This will help the interviewer understand how you think and approach problems, and it will give them a better idea of your skills and abilities.

Prepare your own Questions

It’s always a good idea to have a few thoughtful questions prepared to ask the interviewer. This shows that you are interested in the company and the role, and it gives you the opportunity to learn more about the position and the team you would be working with.

Carry extra copies of your CV/Resume

There is a higher possibility that the interviewer will already have this printed out but to be on the safe side and also to have something for you to follow along, carry a physical copy of the exact CV you used to apply for the role.

Prepare for the day in advance

Depending on the interview location (physical or remote), make sure you have your schedule for the day laid out. From what to dress, leaving time, travel route, how long it’ll take you to get there and anything that might be needed during the interview.

If you’re not sure about anything, get in touch with the interviewer and ask for clarification.

Be on time and Be Professional

Plan to arrive at the interview location a at least 30 minutes early. This will allow you to settle and familiarize yourself with the space. This will also give you time to collect your thoughts and prepare yourself mentally.

If it’s a virtual interview, be on your interview station at least 15 minutes, ensure you have enough power, good connectivity and have your notes in place ready.

This will show that you are responsible and respectful of the interviewer’s time.

If you encounter any unforeseen issues that will make it unable to make it to the interview entirely or on time, it’s important to let the interviewer know as soon as possible. Have their phone number on hand so you can call and alert them to the problem. Give them as much notice as you can as a professional courtesy.

This will help them plan their schedule and minimize any inconvenience. It will also show that you are responsible and respectful of their time.

Overall, the key to preparing for an interview is to be prepared, be professional, and be yourself. This will help you put your best foot forward and give you the best chance of landing the job.

A curriculum vitae, or CV, outlines your educational and professional experiences and qualifications. A CV is the standard document required by employers and recruiters during the recruitment process and can be a decisive factor in the advancement of your career.

As a recent graduate or young professional with no more than 3 years experience, your CV will likely be relatively brief, but it should still include all of the essential information about your educational background and relevant experience.

For starters, a CV for a young professional should include the following information:

CV Sections

Contact information

This is the header of your CV and includes your name, email address, and phone number. You can also include your physical address here.

For most recent graduates, you’ll find them including additional information like nationality, age, religion, etc… Such information is considered clutter and adds no value to your CV.

Education

As a recent graduate, your education is likely your most relevant qualification. List your educational qualifications, starting with the most recent degree or certification you have received. Include the name of the institution, the degree you earned, and the dates you attended.

For date attended, month and year is more than enough information needed.

Experience

Even if you don’t have a lot of professional experience, you may still have relevant experience, such as extracurricular activities or volunteer work.

If you have any relevant experience, such as internships or jobs in your field, you should them here. Include the name of the organization you worked for, your job title, and the dates you worked there.

Here you can also briefly state key tasks you did and any achievement or skill learnt in that role.

Skills, Awards & Achievements

Include a section on your CV that highlights your relevant hard/soft skills and abilities. This could include technical skills, such as proficiency in a specific programming language or software, as well as soft skills, such as communication or teamwork.

Here you can also list non-academic achievements that you have earned that might add weight to your qualifications.

If you have received any awards or honors, such as scholarships or academic prizes, you can also add them here.

References

If needed by the recruiter, you can include at least two or three references on your CV. These should be individuals who can speak to your qualifications and experience, such as a former professor or supervisor. Be sure to include their name, title, and contact information.

Guidelines to Follow

There are no globally set rules when it comes to writing a CV. Some organizations have their own templates that they’ll require you to use when applying for their open vacancies.

But there are some general guidelines that can help you create a well-organized and effective CV that stands out to the recruiter. Here are some key rules to follow when editing your CV:

Keep it short & concise

As a recent graduate or young professional, you probably have little or no professional experience. Your CV should be no more than one page long, and should be focused on highlighting your most relevant qualifications and experiences. Avoid including irrelevant or outdated information, and use clear and concise language throughout.

Use a clear and easy-to-read format

Your CV should be well-organized and easy to navigate, with clear headings and sections. Use bullet points to list information, and make sure to use consistent formatting throughout the document.

Tailor your CV to the job or field you are applying for

Your CV should be customized to the specific position or field you are applying for. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences, and include keywords that are relevant to the job or field.

Include contact information

At the top of your CV, be sure to include your name, email address, and phone number only

Proofread and edit carefully

Before you submit your CV, make sure to proofread it carefully for spelling and grammar errors. Ask someone else to read it over as well, to make sure it is clear and error-free.

Unless otherwise stated, always share your CV in PDF format to protect it’s formatting and to make it easier for recruiter to open.

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CampusBiz offers CV Editing, Rewrite and Revamping services for Recent Graduates. Click here to request one our CV experts to review your CV.

From it’s inception in 2012, the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has been coordinating placement of Government Sponsored Students to Universities and Colleges.

For there next placement program in January 2023, the state corporation is seeking secondary school graduates who are looking for a chance to join college countrywide to apply for government sponsorship to any national polytechnic and public technical and vocational training (TVET) institutions.

KUCCPS says it has over 300,000 slots available for placement of diploma, craft and artisan courses for students who sat the examination from the year 2000 to 2021 and have not benefited from government sponsorship for TVET training.

Those who scored D- and below will be eligible for Artisan Certificate courses, D plain & above will be eligible for Craft Certificate courses and those who scored C- and above will be eligible for Diploma courses.

The deadline to apply for January 2023 intake is October 16th, 2022.

To apply, visit the KUCCPS Student’s Portal

KUCCPS, the State Corporation that provides career guidance and selects students for admission to universities, national polytechnics, technical training institutes and other accredited higher learning institutions for Government of Kenya-sponsored programmes has opened applications for placement of 2022 KCSE candidates.

In a statement on their official website, the corporation notifies all secondary school principals that the School/Centre Application for placement of the 2022 KCSE examination candidates to Universities and Colleges commenced on September 19th 2022 and will close on November 30th 2022.

“Secondary schools are expected to collect, collate and submit the candidates’ applications for placement to Universities and Colleges during this period.

Applications must be submitted through the KUCCPS Schools Portal“, read part of the communication to all secondary schools principals.

The notice instructed principals to ensure the following candidate information are provided to facilitate the application of the KUCCPS Affirmative Action Criteria during placement application processing;

• phone and email contact details
• Citizenship
• Gender
• Nature of disability (where applicable)
• Geographical location of the School/Examination Centre

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) is once again inviting you to apply for a TVET course of your choice in any public National Polytechnic, Technical Training Institute or Technical and Vocational Training College.

The online application will open on November 15, 2021 and close on November 28, 2021.

Minimum Requirements

1. Artisan Certificate Courses – Mean Grade of D – (minus) to E
2. Craft Certificate Courses – Mean Grade of D (plain) and above
3. Diploma Courses – Mean Grade of C – (minus) and above

Eligible Candidates

All KCSE certificate holders who have not benefited from Government-sponsorship for TVET training before are eligible to apply where they meet the minimum requirements, regardless of the year one sat for the KCSE examination.

How to Apply

All applications must be done online through the Student’s Portal accessible via the KUCCPS website www.kuccps.ac.ke.

The application procedure, available TVET courses and their requirements, a list of Government institutions and other relevant information are available on the website.

Applicants may obtain advice or application support from the KUCCPS service desks in the following Huduma Centres: Nairobi (GPO), Mombasa, Kisumu, Nyeri, Garissa, Kitui, Eldoret, Kakamega, Meru, Kitale, Thika, Isiolo, Narok, Laikipia and Nakuru, subject to the Ministry of Health protocols put in place in the Huduma Centres.

For more information, call us on 020 5137400

The Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of ICT, Innovation & Youth Affairs, Hon Joe Mucheru has today presided over the pre-deployment briefing exercise of 400 Presidential Digital Talent Programme (PDTP)Cohort VI for the Financial Year 2021-2022.

DigiTalent, the brand name of the Presidential Digital Talent Programme (PDTP), an internship programme that develops the ICT talent pool in Kenya through a collaboration between the public and private sectors is to be implemented by the Ministry of Information Communications and Technology (MoICT) through the ICT Authority (ICTA).

The pre-deployment exercise at The University of Nairobi was a culmination of their induction which started on the 8th of November 2021. The 400 Interns were recruited from all 47 counties, 32% of them being women.

The interns are set to receive a monthly stipend of KES. 25,000.

CS Mucheru urged the cohorts to be “the army that should be telling Kenyans about all the planes that have landed safely – telling good stories on all the government projects happening across Kenya”.

“There is too much silence yet so much good that is happening around. Be custodians of the truth, respect your seniors and take advantage of the opportunity offered to you through this programme to increase your chances of succeeding tomorrow”, said the CS.

The CS also said that the country is changing for the better and that digital skills are needed to enable effective roll out of the overall government of Kenya agenda and inspire economic growth. He added that the government of Kenya is committed to foster a globally competitive and adaptive ICT workforce through national Programmes such as Ajira, Digital Literacy Programme and PDTP to respond to the future skills demand.

The Acting ICT Authority CEO Dr. Ronoh Kipronoh said that the Authority is implementing strategic national ICT programmes and projects such as the Digital Literacy Programme (DLP) across 24,000 public primary schools, provision of internet and devices, digitization of five (5) Billion government records, automating government services, digital literacy capacity building for 20 million citizens and broadband connectivity to rural areas.

Dr. Ronoh urged the Youth to fully participate in government agenda for a better country and future.
The National Youth Chairperson Deborah Bubi asked the Digitalent interns to champion the implementation of government programmes and develop a positive mindset as they serve the country.

In addition The National Youth Council, Roy Sasaka asked the youth participate in the elections of the National Youth Council which will be conducted digitally in due course.