Post-training support for micro-enterprise development and wage employment

Training is only one component of a successful employment promotion programme. Post-training support is critical for ensuring that training leads to employment (wage employment or self-employment and microenterprise development) and that skills acquired by trainees can be applied. The TREE approach emphasises post-training support as an essential element of an overall employment promotion programme. By integrating an initial analysis of the potential for wage employment, self-employment and micro-enterprise with training and post-training support, TREE aims to maximize the impact of the programme on beneficiaries' income levels and capacity for further development. Just as TREE training design and delivery is oriented to the specific needs of individual trainees and the requirements of subsequent employment, post-training supports will reflect the aim of the programme and the needs of the beneficiaries. Recognition of specific barriers or challenges that might be experienced by some groups or individuals should be addressed in design and delivery. For example, women may have less experience accessing conventional financial services for starting a micro-enterprise, and employers may be unfamiliar with the advantages of hiring persons with disabilities.

After training is completed, beneficiaries may need support in:
  • Finding and maintaining wage employment
  • Starting and sustaining a business
  • Specific assistance and accommodation for persons with disabilities
  • Training for skill gaps not addressed in the TREE training
In fragile or conflict affected contexts, they may also need support in maintaining the tolerance and relationships that contribute to social cohesion, and resolving any conflicts that may have arisen, linked to their employment or business activity. In addition, post-training support includes follow up visits and tracking to support success.

This section is organized into four areas:
  • Planning post-training support, which includes identifying the services needed and potential providers of the services.
  • Facilitating access to wage employment, including identifying potential employers, ensuring training matches needs, assisting with job search and follow up.
  • Facilitating micro-enterprise development, including business planning, business formation (self-employment, enterprise including collective enterprise such as cooperative), access to credit, tools and premises, support with marketing and follow up
  • Facilitating transition to formality, including awareness of legal and regulatory requirements and assistance with registration and certification.