This resource guide has been designed to assist those involved in the design and implementation of skills and livelihoods training programmes for older children in or at risk of child labour. ILO programmes to eliminate child labour support children in the age of compulsory education to stay in school, or, in case of children who have already dropped out of education, support them to reintegrate in formal or transitional non formal education.

However for many older children returning to formal education is not a realistic alternative. Yet unfortunately, they often lack the skills that could help them to access decent work. To assist older children, the ILO’s International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour (IPEC) promotes a comprehensive approach that combines skills and livelihood training with other basic life skills. The aim is to enhance the potential of older children of legal working age to successfully enter the labour market under decent work conditions.

The resource guide provides a framework on how to design and implement skills and livelihood programmes. It is intended to support individuals and organizations providing skills and livelihoods training for older children through child labour projects. The guide draws on a wide selection of tools, training manuals, policy documents and other resources developed by ILO technical units working on child labour, skills and employability, and youth employment. It was developed in discussion and close consultations with experts in these respective fields.

The resource guide can be used both as a reference for self-study or for training workshops.