Senior Trainers' skills enhanced on Revised Caregiving and Domestic Work Standards

The BRMM programme, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Skills, delivered a two-round capacity-building training in September 2025 to strengthen the capacity of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) trainers to deliver updated skills relevant to overseas employment. The training focused on revised occupational standards and curricula for caregiving and domestic work, two fields that remain in high demand for Tanzanian and Ethiopian migrant workers seeking formal employment abroad.

The first round was conducted in Adama from 15 to 19 September, followed by the second round in Hawassa from 22 to 26 September. Across both locations, 57 senior TVET trainers and officials, including 12 women, successfully completed the programme.

The objective of the training was to ensure that TVET trainers are fully familiar with the updated standards and competent to deliver them effectively within their institutions. Trainers play a critical role in transferring accurate, practical knowledge to potential migrant workers, strengthening their capacity is essential to improving employability, expanding access to regular migration pathways, and reducing dependence on informal or unregulated recruitment channels.

During the sessions, participants reviewed the structure and content of the revised occupational standards and curricula, including core competencies, workplace requirements, and assessment procedures. Training covered technical aspects of caregiving and domestic work, occupational safety and health, rights and responsibilities in overseas employment, and expectations of destination-country employers. Participants examined gaps in previous curricula, discussed strategies for integrating revised materials into teaching, and practised competency-based training approaches aligned with national TVET guidelines.

Group discussions emphasised the need for stronger alignment between TVET instruction, labour migration requirements, and the expectations of regulated overseas labour markets. Participants highlighted the importance of equipping learners not only with technical skills but also with knowledge on employment contracts, fair recruitment, and communication in multicultural work environments. Facilitators also provided guidance on incorporating these elements into institutional training and pre-departure preparation. The training further explored the role of TVET institutions in supporting fair recruitment, including verifying information provided to trainees, coordinating with regional labour offices, and ensuring graduates are informed about support services and formal migration channels.

Both rounds concluded with developing institutional action plans to cascade the revised curricula within their respective colleges. Trainers are committed to updating training materials, training colleagues, and collaborating with regional authorities to ensure consistent application of the new standards.

In addition, the BRMM Project enhanced the capacity of 12 TVET trainers from five TVET centres, Ataye, Walkite, Dedo Sheka, W/Sihan, and Gelemso, through targeted training in hairdressing and domestic work conducted at Asella TVET. Ten trainers (five women) completed 40 days of Training of Trainers in hairdressing, while two trainers completed 30 days of training in domestic work. Of the 12 participants, 11 trainers (including five women) were certified by the Oromia Occupational Competence Assurance Agency. These trainers will return to their institutions to deliver hairdressing and domestic work training to potential and returning migrant workers, helping expand employment opportunities for young people.

Overall, the training initiatives contributed to strengthening Ethiopia’s national skills pipeline for prospective migrant workers by equipping senior trainers with the knowledge and tools needed to deliver updated, market-relevant training. The Ministry and BRMM programme will continue to follow up with TVET institutions as the revised curricula are rolled out and integrated into regular training delivery.