The National Youth Service (NYS) has shortlisted 390 graduates from a pool of 1,370 applicants for lucrative job opportunities in Australia, where successful candidates are expected to earn approximately KES 6.6 million annually.
This move is part of the government’s effort to tackle the high youth unemployment rate in Kenya by offering skilled labor opportunities abroad.
Interviews for the shortlisted candidates are scheduled to take place on September 10, 2024, at the NYS holding unit in Nairobi. The graduates, trained in artisan skills such as mechanics, carpentry, and construction, will be vying for positions in Australia’s labor market. NYS has emphasized that the interview process will play a key role in selecting the most qualified candidates for the overseas jobs.
Candidates have been instructed to report to the interview venue at 8:00 a.m. and must present identification documents, certificates, and proof of their work experience. “Images of work recommendation letters from your past employers will be highly needed. Candidates are required to bring all necessary documents to the interview,” the NYS stated.
The shortlisted candidates will undergo a six-month probationary period upon arrival in Australia before being fully confirmed for the roles. The jobs are expected to provide financial stability for the successful graduates, a significant boost considering the economic challenges many face.
“This opportunity will open doors for our youth to not only gain international experience but also improve their livelihoods,” an NYS official remarked.
This latest development follows the government’s announcement in July that over 300,000 job opportunities have been secured abroad for Kenyan youth. By providing such opportunities, the government hopes to alleviate unemployment, especially among graduates of NYS’s paramilitary training programs.
