Laura Aguillon

From 3-5 December, teams from 9 Sub-Saharan African countries gathered at the Enabel offices in Brussels to reflect on programme learnings as part of the End-Term Evaluation of the VET Toolbox programme.

This workshop was a pivotal moment to assess how the opportunity-driven approach to Vocational Education and Training (VET), which we piloted, has turned investments into enablers of decent jobs and local benefits.

After a productive first day, where we reviewed and compared the different projects, Day 2 was dedicated to formulating concrete recommendations and addressing transversal topics like gender, private sector engagement, and decent work.

Key recommendations included:

• Customising solutions to specific needs and co-creating with the private sector.
• Offering incentives for private sector involvement in Public-Private Dialogue (PPD) and showcasing the value of participating in skills development for business sustainability.
• Anchoring PPDs in existing structures at national, sectoral and local levels to ensure effective feedback and impact.
• Formalising work-based learning.
• Supporting MSMEs to absorb trainees and create jobs.
• And much more.

On Day 3, we focused on assessing the sustainability of the projects and how stakeholders are adopting the opportunity-driven approach to VET, which aligns training with the needs of companies to create real job opportunities.

In the closing session, representatives from DG INTPA and from partner agencies reflected on the successful journey of VET Toolbox and its pivotal role in shaping the new Team Europe Initiative on Opportunity-driven skills and VET in Africa (TEI OP-VET).

Watch the pictures of the event here. 

On Thursday, 14th November, 100 delegates gathered at the Nim Avenue Hotel in Tamale to mark the closure of the British Council’s VET Toolbox project in Ghana. The event brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from commercial farms, vocational training institutions, programme beneficiaries, and the Delegation of the European Union to Ghana.

Launched in March 2023, the Agricultural Skills Enhancement Programme has focused on skills development in agriculture across the Northern, North-East, and Savannah regions. Working with public and private partners, the programme has aimed to create local jobs in agriculture and agro-processing. Key partners include the Savannah Zone Agricultural Productivity Improvement Project (SAPIP), the Commission for Technical Vocational Education and Training (CTVET), Ghana TVET Service, the Agriculture Sector Skill Body (ASSB), and selected vocational training institutes.

The project has achieved significant milestones, including the development of three curricula in Agronomy, Farm Enterprise Management, and Tractor Mechanisation. It trained 230 students through six vocational training providers, who then gained hands-on experience through Workplace Experience Learning (WEL) placements at commercial farms. Additionally, the project facilitated sustainable multi-level Public-Private Dialogue (PPD) to enhance collaboration and adapt vocational training to meet investment and labour market needs in agriculture.

At the event, Mr. David Prah, Director General of Ghana TVET Service, delivered a keynote speech emphasizing the project’s success through multi-stakeholder collaboration and innovative work-based training opportunities. Participants also reflected on the programme’s achievements and shared recommendations to guide future training and policy initiatives.

During the DRC Mining Week 2024, a major event bringing together key players in the mining industry and its related sectors, Enabel organised a technical workshop on the normative framework for professional internships in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). A panel of experts from the private and public sector, as well as more than 90 participants, discussed the evolution of this framework to improve the employability of young people.

Meeting the skill needs of businesses in the DRC

In the DRC, key sectors linked to the mining industry, such as transport and logistics, digital services, hospitality, construction, and public works, require a skilled workforce. These sectors have the potential to create jobs, add local value, and diversify the country’s economy.

This workshop emphasised the importance of developing training programmes tailored to business needs, inspired by projects piloted by VET Toolbox, to realise this potential.

Roxane de Bilderling, Ambassador of Belgium to the DRC, stated, “We must focus this training on the needs of businesses. Too often, diplomas are awarded that do not lead to employment. We must align the skills we teach young people with market demands.”

Challenges of professional internships in the DRC

Professional internships are crucial for graduates to apply their theoretical knowledge and develop practical skills tailored to company needs. Mireille Kalume, Director of Human Resources at the Forrest Group, remarked, “A professional internship creates tailor-made profiles for companies.”

However, Jean-Luc Mpoyo, Provincial Director of the Congo Business Federation (Haut-Katanga), pointed out, “Despite the goodwill of some companies, the professional internship system in the DRC is lacking.” The regulatory framework for internships is underdeveloped, creating obstacles for businesses and limiting quality internship opportunities for graduates. This hampers skill transmission within companies and hinders the professional integration of young people.

Towards effective internship regulation

Discussions at the workshop highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between the employment and training sectors to promote and regulate internships effectively. This cooperation would enhance professional integration for young people, develop local value chains, and support sustainable economic development.

Key solutions identified during the workshop include:

• Establishing a stronger regulatory framework to oversee internships.
• Improving the quality of training and internships to align with labour market needs.
• Strengthening tripartite dialogue between the Congo Business Federation (FEC), the Ministry of Labour, and the Technical Education and Vocational Training (ETFP) ecosystem.

Lorenzo Giacomin, Portfolio Manager for Enabel in the DRC, underscored the importance of public-private dialogue, stating, “With European investments and the growth of the mining sector, professional internships are a significant opportunity. We must come together and address this issue collectively.”

Fanon Beya, Director General of ONEM (National Employment Office), announced the forthcoming implementation of a quota system for professional internships within companies, marking a significant step forward for internships in the DRC.

Workshop panellists

Moderator:

• Bonheur Ntambwe, Training-Employment Expert, Enabel

Speakers:

• Roxane de Bilderling, Ambassador of Belgium to the DRC
• Jean-Luc Mpoyo, FEC Haut-Katanga Provincial Director
• Mireille Kalume, Director of Human Resources, Forrest Group
• Jean-Claude Kanyiki, Training Director, Congo Equipment CAT
• Léonie Muyombe, Director, Haut-Katanga Resource Centre
• Lorenzo Giacomin, Portfolio Manager, Enabel

On 14 March 2023, we explored how investments, accompanied by skills development, can increase local job opportunities! 

In this webinar hosted by VET Toolbox and DC dVET, we gathered Vocational Education and Training (VET) experts, private sector representatives, and VET stakeholders. Together, we:

• Explored how the opportunity-driven approach to VET connects skills development with investments.
• Analysed strategies to ensure quality training and the transition to employment through dual VET.
• Discussed the importance of private sector involvement in VET – from a private sector perspective.
• Spotlighted the practical example of a VET Toolbox project implemented by Expertise France in the industrial maintenance, woodwork and forestry sectors in Congo.

On the 16th of November 2023, GIZ-E4D marked the conclusion of its programme Enabling Youth Employment in Solar Energy in Tanzania project. This initiative, spanning from 2021 to 2023, aimed to empower 200 Tanzanians aged 18-24, including 40% women, as solar artisans. The project culminated with a ceremonial handover of renewable energy equipment worth 9,000.00 euros to Arusha Technical College (ATC), a sustainable measure to enable ATC to continue fostering employment in the Solar Photovoltaic sector by imparting technical and entrepreneurial skills.

Throughout the project, 198 graduates underwent a comprehensive two-week training programme at ATC, followed by an 8-week practical training period in reputable solar companies. Successful trainees received a toolbox containing electrical tools valued at 168.00 Euro, aiding their entry into the labour market as entrepreneurs. Additionally, a Solar PV course curriculum was developed and implemented, and 18 teachers from 13 TVET institutions were trained in relevant skills.

Impact of the project in Tanzania:

• Successful training of 198 youths (40% women) in Solar PV Systems
• Development and implementation of Solar PV curricula
• Enhanced capacity of 18 teachers from 13 TVET institutions
• Establishment of a Public-Private Partnership platform for the renewable energy sector

The event was attended by private sector companies such as ZOLA Electric, Engie Energy Access Tanzania, Photons Energy Ltd., and representatives from various training institutions. GIZ-E4D also extended invitations to members of the Technical Committee from the Prime Minister’s Office of Labour, Youth, Employment, and Persons with Disability, Ministry of Industry and Trade, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, and Ministry of Energy.

The closing event of the VET Toolbox Uganda project, held on the 23rd of November at UTC Lira, was attended by 129 participants from various organisations, including development and implementing partners, partner ministries, leaders from Lira City, solar companies, principals, and trainers from 6 VTIS & Technical colleges, as well as beneficiaries.

The agenda included remarks from GIZ’s WE4D Head of Programme and the Mayor of Lira City, a project overview and achievements presentation, sharing of beneficiary testimonials, showcasing of skills acquired from the training by the beneficiaries, visiting market booths for solar companies, presentation of lessons learned and policy recommendations, as well as a panel discussion on the same.

Key project milestones include:

• 101 beneficiaries trained in Solar PV and Advanced Operation and Maintenance of minigrids, all provided with toolkits (38% Female, 47% Youth). 64% of these individuals were placed into internships.
• 346 beneficiaries (42% Female) trained in both business and technical skills on the Productive Use of Electricity (PUE). Fifty-nine of these were further supported to acquire appliances through the matching grant.
• 31 VET Trainers (38% Female) were trained.
• 6 VET centres were supported with the required training equipment.
• Public Private Dialogue through the Sustainable Business for Uganda Platform (SB4U).
• Curriculum for Advanced Operation and Maintenance of solar minigrids developed and currently being reviewed by DIT – Directorate of Industrial Training for approval.

On the 9th of November, VET Toolbox’s Skills for Transport project celebrated its 17-month journey, highlighting successes and sharing stories of achievement. The event, attended by 50 participants, featured key partners, and project beneficiaries, including GIZ, ESSOR, ACB, government officials, private sector representatives (transport companies), VET centres, and young individuals and transport SMEs directly impacted by the project.

Key results celebrated include:

• Increased visibility of VET centres in the transport industry and the establishment of partnerships between VET centres and transport companies.
• Strengthened capacity of VET centres’ employment departments, enhancing their ability to negotiate partnerships and secure more internships and entry-level jobs for graduates.
• A total of 319 young people received training in employability skills for the transport and logistics sectors, incorporating soft skills, work readiness, digital skills, and sector-specific knowledge, including health and safety.
• 242 youths gained internship opportunities, aiding final-year trainees in obtaining official certification and providing work experience for already graduated individuals, thereby increasing their chances of securing employment.
• 121 transport SMEs are now better equipped to compete for business opportunities after completing training on bidding for open competitions launched by lead companies.
• The creation and execution of a sector-specific Public-Private Dialogue (PPD) facilitated collaboration between local businesses and VET centres, promoting demand-oriented training, sharing opportunities, and fostering partnerships.

The closing event concluded with a sustainability session involving a group of project partners, aiming to plan for the future and express commitment to continuing the initiated actions. Partners discussed capacity building, relationship building, and the positive changes observed during the project, sharing intentions for ongoing efforts.

Investments show potential for generating job opportunities, but aligning them with decent work standards remains complex.

This webinar organised by VET Toolbox on 14 November from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. as part of Educaid.be’s International Conference 2023 explored how Vocational Education and Training (VET) can contribute to local decent job creation while catering for investments’ needs.

VET Toolbox’s project “Skills4Riders”, operating in the gig economy in Nigeria, shared its challenging journey towards decent work, linking investments and skills development.

➡️ Watch the recording!

At the Mövenpick Hotel in Nairobi on October 17, 2023, the VET Toolbox project’s Closing Workshop in Kenya marked a significant step towards sustainable e-waste management in the country. With approximately 30 participants including public and private sector partners (such as Computers For Schools Kenya, E-Waste Initiative Kenya (EWIK), the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), Mathenge Technical Training), the workshop was a platform for reflection and planning.

About the project:

This VET Toolbox initiative implemented by GIZ aimed to strengthen e-waste management in Kenya, successfully developing National Occupational Standards and a comprehensive curriculum for e-waste processing technicians, ensuring high-quality standardised education. Collaboration with the National E-waste Steering Committee established robust public-private partnerships. Over 400 beneficiaries have been trained, with more than 100 ready for employment.

Workshop insights:

The workshop addressed sector challenges and opportunities, emphasizing the need for robust recycling regulations, community mobilisation, extended producer responsibility, and research into e-waste distribution. The curriculum needs further enhancement beyond the project’s scope through continuous stakeholder involvement and trainer development. Empowering trainees for entrepreneurship is key to sector growth and sustainability. Gender inclusivity is also a priority, with strategies like enrollment quotas, gender policies, and adapted training infrastructure to promote equality.

On 6 July, VET Toolbox collaborated with GRETA, the green VET initiative of the European Training Foundation, to co-organise a webinar on greening the energy and construction sectors. Over 180 participants took part in the webinar, during which VET Toolbox presented its “Skills for the Green Transformation” tool developed by GIZ. Our private sector partner Elementerre showcased its ecological approach to construction and the VET Toolbox project led by LuxDev in Senegal.

Read more.