Focus Discussion Group that was held with beneficiaries before the graduation ceremony.

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Empowering graduates with skills to secure sustainable jobs aligned with labour market needs

A graduation ceremony was held for 80 trainees who successfully completed work-based learning programs in Lebanon, conducted with the support of the International Labour Organization (ILO).

18 February 2025

BEIRUT (ILO News) – Within the framework of the International Labour Organization’s EU-funded ENABLE and SOLIFEM programs and the Skill-Up program, funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), the Safadi Foundation hosted a graduation ceremony for 80 participants who took part in a work-based learning project implemented in northern Lebanon.

The ceremony was held at the Safadi Cultural Center on 18 February 2025 and was attended by Mr. Cyril Dewaleyne, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the European Union; Mr. Frederico Barroeta, ILO ENABLE Chief Technical Advisor; and Mr. Sayed Bou Francis, Head of the Vocational Training Department, representing the Director General of Vocational and Technical Education, Dr. Hanadi Berri. Also in attendance were distinguished guests from the private sector, local organizations, and the families of the graduates.

The work-based learning project, which ran from October till December 2024, provided 80 individuals with industry-relevant skills to successfully transition into the job market. The training courses focused on 6 key occupations: pastry production, dairy production, non-alcoholic beverage production, agrifood, kitchen assistants, and healthcare assistants. These sectors were identified based on a needs assessment conducted in collaboration with private sector stakeholders, ensuring alignment with labour market demands.

EU Deputy Head of Cooperation, Mr. Cyril Dewaleyne, giving a speech during the WBL graduation ceremony, in Tripoli, Lebanon. 18 February 2025.

During the ceremony, Mr. Cyril Dewaleyne emphasized “We are proud to support this project which is part of a more significant effort. Between 2023 and 2026, the EU is investing €20 million in vocational training, job creation, and social entrepreneurship in Lebanon. We believe that practical training, like the one here, is key to finding decent work and helping families secure a better future.”

ILO ENABLE CTA, Federico Barroeta giving a speech during the ceremony, in Tripoli, Lebanon. 18 February 2025.

Mr. Federico Barroeta remarked:"Throughout this project, the ILO has remained committed to providing technical guidance to harmonize work-based learning approaches across the country and equip Lebanon’s workforce with the skills demanded by the economy. This work is essential to provide job opportunities for achieving our ultimate goal of transitioning to labour market and achieve our ultimate goal of ensure the socioeconomic inclusion for excluded populations and not leaving anybody behind."

Similarly, Mr. Said Bou Francis highlighted: “There is a need to raise awareness about the importance of vocational education in society and to change the negative perceptions associated with it.From here, we call on all international organizations to support vocational education through an investment portfolio to include vocational education in the TREF fund, especially since some donors had shown their support before the war, and we are ready to resume work on it.”

In his address, Mr. Khaled Hannouf, Program Director at the Safadi Foundation, outlined the different phases of the program, key modifications made in response to the crisis, and how trainees were allocated across various training courses to maximize employment opportunities.

Speaking on behalf of the graduates, a representative expressed deep gratitude to the Safadi Foundation and its partners for providing an opportunity to develop new skills and enter the job market with enhanced professional capabilities.

The event also featured six short documentary films showcasing the training programs, giving attendees an in-depth look at the hands-on learning experiences of the graduates.

the 80 graduates of the WBL programme receiving their certificates, in Tripoli, Lebanon. 18 February 2025 — The 80 graduates of the WBL programme receiving their certificates, in Tripoli, Lebanon. 18 February 2025

The ceremony concluded with the distribution of certificates to the graduates, recognizing their dedication and accomplishments.

This initiative reinforces the power of vocational training in fostering sustainable employment opportunities and equipping individuals with practical skills to navigate a challenging job market. It stands as a testament to the role of skills development in enhancing economic resilience and creating pathways for a brighter future.