Strengthening Pathways for Skills Certification

The ILO supported Ethiopia and Kenya in implementing the launched recognition of prior learning (RPL) policy framework. In Ethiopia, the ILO supported the development of four versions of RPL assessment tools in 6 occupations, namely hairdressing for men, hairdressing for women, domestic work, wellness and spa, traditional food preparation and food and bevera\ge services. The development of the assessment tool was organized from 4-15 November 2024 and brought together 23 curriculum and assessment experts (5 female) drawn from different government institutions (MoLS, TVET institute, TVET centers, Ethiopian Training Authority, and Certification of Competency centers) and industry experts.

In addition, the ILO has built the capacity of national institutions to effectively implement them. In partnership with the ILO Global Skills Programme (GSP), orientation and capacity development workshops were organised. The first workshop was held from 17-20 February 2025, and it brought together 55 RPL assessors (16 female) from all regions and city administration. The second workshop was organized from 25-28 March 2025 with the presence of 12 (3 female) MoLS assessment and certification experts. The two workshops provided orientation on the launched RPL guidelines and related processes, further created awareness on RPL assessment, making a clear distinction between formal assessment and RPL assessment, and enabled the team to review and update RPL templates that are used for assessment and certification processes. Using experiences from other countries, such as Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, and Australia, participants were taken through the three steps of RPL assessment, namely RPL awareness and application, RPL assessment and RPL certification. The next orientation is planned in May 2025 for all regions and city administration Competency of Certificate centres Directors.