Sadolin offices. [Photo/ugbusiness.com]
Kansai Plascon, a Japanese firm, has launched a 10,000-painter training programme targeting the youth across Kenya in a bid to fill the rising artisan skills gap.
The firm recently bought a 90 percent stake in Sadolin Paints at a cost of 10 billion which gives it control over the subsidiaries in Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda
Plascon Managing Director, Jamil Virjee, urged the youth to take up the training. He said the aim was to improve the quality of paintwork done on local buildings as well as enable painters to root out poor quality paints.
The move, Mr Virjee added was aimed at making professionals in the sector that for years has relied on unskilled labour through the issuance of certification for the painters.
Paint retailers will also be trained to assist them to serve their customers professionally when selling paint which will boost their sales.
The programme is a corporate social responsibility that is giving back to the industry by contributing to the development of skills and knowledge.
The course will encompass modular training on decoration and painting, entrepreneurship, first aid, and health and safety in the work environment.