Upgrading skills for Ethiopian workforce in four key sectors

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (ILO News) - The Ministry of Labour and Skills (MoLS) in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) through the Better Regional Migration Management (BRMM) project successfully harmonized occupational standards (OS) and developed training curriculums, Training, Teaching, and Learning Materials (TTLM) and occupational competency assessment tools for four selected occupations: Security services, Caregiving for the elderly and children, Hairdressing and Beauty services, and Welding and Aluminium. The OS harmonization and review workshop held from 19 – 25 April 2024 involved OS experts from the Ministry of Labour and Skills, TVET institutes, and the industry. The ILO also facilitated experts from Kenya to join Ethiopian experts during the workshop. The revised OS informed the revision of curricula (26 April- 02 May 2024), training, teaching and learning materials and development of three versions of assessment tools (08-22 July 2024) with the involvement of MoLS experts in curricula, TTLM and assessment tool development and TVET trainers/experts. These tools are essential for certifying the competencies of Ethiopian workers, particularly those seeking employment abroad.

Further to the development process, the ILO and MoLS provided a 10-day training of trainers from 18 September to 03 October 2024 for 70 TVET trainers (18 female) from migrant prone areas, namely Tigray, Oromia, SNNP, Central Ethiopia, Sidama and Addis Ababa city administration. The TOT provided in class and through site visits focused on sensitizing trainers on the new changes in the training materials to enhance their pedagogical, content skills and knowledge respectively. The ToT also included sessions on entrepreneurship and financial literacy, language (English and Arabic), pre-departure and the E-LMIS.

The initiative is part of the Ethiopian government’s broader strategy to improve labour migration governance, which aims to align training standards with international standards and enhance the employability of Ethiopian workers in both the local and overseas markets. This collaborative effort underscores the Ethiopian government’s commitment to improving the quality of vocational training, enhancing job prospects for Ethiopian youth, and facilitating safe and dignified employment opportunities abroad.

These initiatives are expected to significantly contribute to Ethiopia’s goal of creating three million jobs by 2030, with a focus on equipping workers with the skills needed for both domestic and international labour markets. By aligning the country's vocational training standards with those of major destination countries, Ethiopia aims to better protect its migrant workers, ensure fair and productive employment conditions, and enhance the overall impact of labour migration on national development.