International Labour Organization (ILO) has strengthened efforts to improve employability outcomes for young people in Ethiopia by equipping Technical and Vocational Education (TVT) trainers in Bahir Dar with practical tools to integrate core skills into classroom instruction, curricula, and assessment systems.

The initiative’s goal is to better prepare graduates for the changing needs of the labour market, especially as employers place a greater emphasis on transferable skills that improve productivity and flexibility in the workplace, in addition to technical knowledge.

Thirty-five TVT trainers from Bahir Dar and neighbouring colleges attended the four-day course. In order to assist participants in converting theory into useful teaching strategies that can be immediately used in classrooms and training facilities, the workshops blended interactive discussions, group exercises, and hands-on learning.

The program placed a strong emphasis on fundamental abilities, including communication, teamwork, critical thinking, problem solving, flexibility, emotional intelligence, digital literacy, and environmental awareness.

According to ILO, these competencies are becoming increasingly essential for young people entering the labour market, as they enable graduates to collaborate effectively, respond to workplace challenges and transition more successfully into decent employment.

Additionally, the training addressed gaps in core skill delivery seen in several technical and vocational schools. Rather than being integrated into more comprehensive teaching and learning procedures, these abilities have historically been taught as stand-alone courses.

Participants also received guidance on how to incorporate fundamental competencies into lesson planning, educational resources, curriculum design, and evaluation techniques in order to solve this. Instead of experiencing these abilities in isolation, the strategy aims to guarantee that students constantly improve them throughout their studies.

In addition to practical modules covering workplace communication, teamwork, conflict management, digital skills, green jobs, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, problem solving, decision making, and assessment techniques, the program introduced trainers to the ILO core skills global framework.

Participants created action plans to facilitate adoption within their own institutions at the end of the session. It is anticipated that these strategies would enhance the quality and applicability of skills education while also strengthening the connection between the provision of vocational training and the demands of the labour market.

Ethiopia TVET Educators Embrace Practical Skills Training

Participants lauded that the training provided valuable insights into how teaching methods can be adapted to better reflect real workplace conditions and expectations.

For Saba Mekuriaw, an instructor at Bahir Dar Polytechnic College, the training highlighted the importance of integrating practical communication and problem-solving exercises into classroom activities.

“Communication skills are very important for improving the employability of my graduating students. I plan to integrate practical exercises and assignments on problem solving, teamwork and decision making, using real workplace cases so trainees can better demonstrate these skills in their future jobs.”
Saba Mekuriaw

Similarly, Dessie Zeleke, Vice Dean at Adet TVET College, indicated the practical nature of the training helped bridge the gap between classroom learning and workplace realities.

“The training approach was encouraging because it connected learning with real life workplace experience. I will use this approach with staff and trainees by focusing on practical cases that reflect the realities of work, rather than training that remains distant from day-to-day workplace challenges.”
Dessie Zeleke

The programme is being implemented under the ILO Global Skills Programme in Ethiopia, with funding support from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad). It forms part of broader efforts to develop a more inclusive and demand-driven skills development system that supports decent job creation, economic diversification and sustainable growth.

Beyond immediate training outcomes, the initiative is expected to have long-term institutional impact by enabling trainers to apply the new approaches in their teaching, support curriculum reform and expand core skills training to a wider number of students across institutions.

Getnet Mekonen, Head of the Electrical Technology Department at Bahir Dar Polytechnic College, strengthening digital skills within vocational training systems remains a key priority.

“Basic digital skills are essential. I plan to work with colleagues, management and the guidance and counselling team to share knowledge, conduct short term training and support departments to implement core skills.”
Getnet Mekonen

The ILO Global Skills Programme is expected to continue working with selected institutions in Ethiopia to scale up core skills integration and promote cross-learning among trainers. Through sustained collaboration, the programme aims to ensure that young people acquire the competencies needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world of work.