Discover a training program empowering Africa’s future electricians through blended learning, hands-on training, and industry-recognized certification to support electrification and employment.
The Challenge
More than 600 million people in Africa still lack reliable access to electricity. This affects education, healthcare, local businesses and participation in the digital economy. At the same time, the continent has great potential for renewable energy, especially solar power. To make use of this potential, infrastructure alone is not enough. Skilled technicians are needed to install, maintain and repair electrical systems safely and reliably.
Education as a Development Driver
The program, funded by Festo and developed in partnership with Don Bosco Tech Africa, is a transformative, non-profit initiative designed to tackle these urgent electrification needs by training youth who have completed lower secondary education but are not currently engaged in education, employment, or training.
A Blended Approach for Effective Learning
Through the digital learning platform Festo LX, participants receive free access to specially developed eLearning modules. This enables them to acquire essential theoretical knowledge regardless of their location and at their own learning pace.
Following the online learning phase, participants deepen their skills through practical bootcamps at designated training centers, where they apply and validate their knowledge in realistic working environments. Competencies are assessed and validated, leading to a work-ready certification pathway that includes IEEE co-certification.
Freely accessible learning content
Seven learning modules are freely accessible on Festo LX:
- Fundamentals and Safety
- Fundamentals of Electricity
- Electrical Installation
- Solar Installation
- Smart Home and Emerging Trends
- Maintenance and Repair
- Entrepreneurship for Household Electricians
Create your account on Festo LX to explore the path and its courses on Festo LX
Who it is for:
The Household Electrician Education Program is designed for organizations looking to expand access to electrical skills training and support workforce development initiatives, such as:
Private training providers
TVET schools and training institutions
Government workforce and employment programs
NGOs supporting youth skills development
Community electrification initiatives
About Festo
Festo is a global player and an independent family-owned company with headquarters in Esslingen am Neckar, Germany. The company supplies pneumatic and electrical automation technology to 300,000 customers of factory and process automation in over 35 industries. With about 20,600 employees in over 250 branch offices in around 60 countries worldwide, Festo achieved a turnover of around €3.65 billion in 2023. Festo Didactic SE is a leading provider of technical education and training and offers its customers worldwide comprehensive digital and physical learning solutions in the industrial environment.
Article Submitted by
Lydia Ditter
Festo SE & Co. KG
Germany
