Skills for Employment: Scaling Up Technical and Vocational Training

This project will help prepare youth in East and Southern Africa for economic opportunities, and improve the skills of new labour market entrants and existing workers. It will enhance the quality, relevance, and inclusiveness of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in the region. Youth and job opportunities Young people between 15 and 25 represent more than 60% of Africa's total population and they account for 45% of the total labour force. Unlike other developing regions, sub-Saharan Africa's population is becoming younger due to continued high fertility rates. Many young people have little or no skills. They are excluded from productive economic and social life. Those with an education often have skills that do not match current demand in the labour market, where educational and skill requirements are increasing. Technical and vocational training African countries have put their focus on TVET as a public policy option for addressing youth unemployment in Africa. TVET focuses on technologies and sciences, but also covers practical skills, attitudes, and knowledge of specific occupations. There is evidence to suggest that there are problems: inefficiencies within TVET institutions, limited capacity to provide high-quality training, and barriers to access for women. This project will increase access, quality, inclusiveness, and responsiveness of the TVET system. This will include increased enrolment among women in TVET programs, which will lead to greater employability, productivity, and income among graduates. The project will enhance knowledge, policy dialogue, and lead governments to improve their ability to implement reforms in skills development and employment. Project leadership Uganda's Makerere University will lead the project. It will be implemented in Malawi, Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. The project team will engage TVET and youth employment stakeholders, including the private sector, non-governmental organizations, government ministries and agencies, and development partners such as SNV Netherlands, the International Labour Organization, and the United Nations Development Programme.