Freetown Polytechnic’s Automotive Training Centre empowers youth and promotes gender inclusion

The Centre of Excellence for Automotive Training at Freetown Polytechnic, Kissy Campus, is inspiring young Sierra Leoneans to explore careers in the automotive sector. Throughout 2025, the Centre has conducted an awareness campaign promoting automotive skills as a pathway to youth empowerment and encouraging greater female participation in a field traditionally dominated by men.

As part of the outreach, students and trainers appeared on the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) Morning Show in October to showcase the Centre’s programs and hands-on training. Automotive trainer Dauda Saio Bangura, with students Posseh M. Kamara and Kai Bangura, shared how practical learning builds confidence and prepares students for employment in the automotive sector.

Posseh highlighted women’s capabilities in automotive work: “People often say car repair is men’s work, but that’s not true. Once women get the training, we can do the job just like men.” Kai added, “Training here has shown me that with skills and determination, we can create opportunities for ourselves and lead change in our communities.”

Female enrollment at the Centre now represents nearly 30 percent of students, reflecting progress in challenging the perception that automotive work is only for men. The appearance of students and trainers on the SLBC Morning Show forms part of a wider awareness campaign that includes community outreach, school engagements, media features, and targeted materials promoting women’s participation. Through these combined efforts, the Centre remains committed to further expanding female enrollment and breaking barriers that have historically limited women’s entry into the sector.

Students like Abdul Turay and Adama Tarawally illustrate the Centre’s impact. Abdul said, “Before, I didn’t know most of the things in class. But now, I’ve learned how to use a tracking machine and computer-based diagnostic tools. This makes our work faster and easier.” He hopes to start his own automotive workshop after graduation, supported by the Centre’s entrepreneurship training.

Adama, shared how the program has built her confidence and skillset. “I came here to learn how to repair vehicles. My proudest moments so far have been working on piston and crankshaft assemblies, which shows all the skills I’ve gained and the progress I’ve made during my time here,” she said. Her experience reflects the Centre’s broader commitment to empowering women through access to quality technical education.

The Centre’s 1,000-hour programme combines theory with practice, with 70 percent hands-on training and 40 hours of entrepreneurship instruction. Students gain direct experience with industry-standard tools, graduating with the skills and confidence to enter the workforce or start their own businesses.

The Centre was recently renovated and transformed into a state-of-the-art facility under the project “Promoting Youth Employment through Automotive Maintenance Skills Training.” The project is implemented by UNIDO in partnership with the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and generously funded by the Government of Japan.

Through practical training, mentorship, entrepreneurship education, and outreach, the Centre is helping young Sierra Leoneans turn skills into opportunity. By promoting gender inclusion and strengthening technical education, it is preparing the next generation of professionals to drive innovation and growth in Sierra Leone’s automotive industry.