Plumber's workshop in Thiès
To mark the 75th birthday of Dr Helmut Rothenberger, a modern plumbing workshop is being built on the grounds of the Don Bosco vocational school in Medina Fall (Thiès). The project was officially launched on 22 July 2025 with the start of construction. The aim is to provide young people with practical and future-oriented training, to strengthen traditional crafts and to promote sustainable regional development in Senegal.
About the Don Bosco Thiès Vocational Training Centre
The centre trains young people in the certified fields of building and industrial electrical engineering, general mechanics, electrical engineering and electromechanics. Students are specifically prepared for the state examinations for CAP, BEP and BT. In addition, the vocational school offers modular training courses in areas such as photovoltaics, welding technology and carpentry.
Expansion of training offerings: SHK installation sector
The vocational school is expanding its training portfolio with the new plumbing workshop (sanitary, heating and air conditioning technology). The practice-oriented, short modular training course is aimed at young people who have completed at least the 6th grade of school. It lasts a maximum of 6 months and includes an internship. The competency-based approach (APC) is used, which primarily teaches practical skills. The training ends with a certificate of specialisation (CPS) at CAP level and complies with the reference guidelines of the Ministry.
Objective
This project is intended not only to significantly increase the employability of graduates, but also to help meet the growing demand for skilled workers for installation and repair work in households and businesses in the Thiès region. The new workshop thus makes an important contribution to strengthening the skilled trades and promoting local economic development.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to Dr Helmut Rothenberger, whose long-standing commitment and generous support have made this important project possible.