Mali strengthens vocational training centre management to improve skills provision
A five-day ILO-supported training has strengthened the management capacities of Mali’s public vocational training centres, with a focus on governance, quality and results-based management.
2 October 2026
SÉNOU, Mali – How can vocational training centres better manage their resources, strengthen their governance and deliver training that responds to the needs of learners and the labour market?
This was the focus of a five-day training programme held from 1 to 5 September 2026 at the Sénou Vocational Training Centre in Mali. Organized by the Ministry of Entrepreneurship, Employment and Vocational Training, through the National Directorate for Vocational Training (DNFP) and the Support Fund for Vocational Training and Apprenticeship (FAFPA), the activity was supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO) under the Global Skills Programme, funded by Norway.
Strengthening the management of 18 public centres
The training brought together directors and managers from Mali’s 18 public Vocational Training Centres (VTCs), alongside officials from national institutions, representatives of local authorities, social partners and the private sector.
Over five days, participants strengthened their knowledge and practical skills in four key areas: governance, pedagogical management, administrative and financial management, and Results-Based Management (RBM).
The training provided an opportunity to share experiences and discuss practical approaches to improving the planning, management and monitoring of vocational training activities.
“Strengthening the management capacities of vocational training centres is essential to ensuring that resources are used effectively and that training institutions are better equipped to respond to the evolving skills needs of learners, workers and enterprises”, said Mr Dagamaissa, ILO representative
Results show significant learning gains
The training was accompanied by an assessment of participants’ knowledge before and after the activity. Among the 60 participants who completed both tests, the average score increased from 12.38 out of 20 before the training to 18.77 out of 20 after the training. In addition, 88.3 per cent of participants improved their score between the two assessments.
These results provide an indication of the knowledge gains recorded during the training and demonstrate the value of using pre- and post-training assessments to monitor learning outcomes.
Results-Based Management at the centre of the approach
A key component of the training was Results-Based Management, which provides tools to link planning, implementation, monitoring and results.
For vocational training centres, applying RBM can help managers set clear objectives, define expected results, monitor progress and use evidence to inform decisions and identify areas for improvement.
The approach also encourages a stronger focus on results rather than activities alone, supporting a culture of continuous improvement within training institutions.
Building stronger links with the world of work
The participation of social partners, local authorities and private sector representatives helped broaden discussions beyond the internal management of training centres.
Stronger cooperation between vocational training institutions and the world of work can help identify emerging skills needs and improve the relevance of training programmes.
Such partnerships can also support opportunities for practical training, internships, apprenticeships and transitions from training to employment.
From training to action
The completion of the training marks an important step, but its longer-term value will depend on how the knowledge and tools acquired are applied within the centres.
Participants are expected to use the approaches introduced during the training to strengthen planning, improve monitoring, develop improvement plans and support more effective management of their institutions.
The 78.3 per cent overall satisfaction rate recorded in the final evaluation provides additional feedback on participants’ experience of the training and can help inform future capacity-building activities.
Supporting a stronger skills development system
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen Mali’s vocational training system and improve the capacity of training institutions to respond to changing labour market needs.
Through the Global Skills Programme, with funding from Norway, the ILO supports efforts to develop skills systems that are more responsive, inclusive and focused on quality and results.
By investing in the management capacities of vocational training leaders and other key stakeholders, the initiative contributes to creating stronger foundations for quality training and better skills development opportunities in Mali.