Technical and vocational training strengthens core skills for better youth employment in Ethiopia

Through the ILO's Global Skills Programme, technical and vocational education and training instructors are integrating core skills into classroom practice, helping young people build the communication, teamwork, digital, green and problem-solving skills they need to succeed in a changing labour market.

The International Labour Organization has equipped TVT trainers in Hawassa with practical tools to embed core skills into teaching, curricula and assessment systems, strengthening Ethiopia’s efforts to close skills gaps, boost youth employability and prepare graduates for the ever-changing world of work.

The training, held from 23 to 26 June 2026 through the International Labour Organization’s Global Skills Programme in Ethiopia, brought together about 35 TVT trainers from Hawassa and nearby institutions. It focused on equipping trainers with practical tools to integrate core skills into teaching, curricula, training materials and assessment systems.

Core skills are increasingly critical for young people entering the labour market and have smooth school to work transition. While technical skills remain essential, employers also need workers who can communicate effectively, solve problems, work in teams, use digital tools, adapt to change and contribute to greener workplaces.

For Ms Bamlak Alemu, Trainer at Agena Polytechnic College, problem solving stood out as a key skill for improving graduates’ employability.

“Problem solving is one of the most important core skills for improving graduates’ employability. Graduates should be able to identify problems, think critically, communicate clearly and develop practical solutions,” she said. “I will integrate this skill into my training by using real workplace projects and group discussions that allow trainees to analyse problems and solve them.”

The training responded to gaps identified in the delivery of core skills across selected TVT institutions. It aimed to help trainers move beyond isolated lessons and embed core skills directly into classroom practice and institutional learning systems.

Over four days, participants engaged in interactive sessions, group work, presentations and practical exercises. The sessions covered the ILO core skills global framework, workplace communication, teamwork and conflict management, emotional intelligence, analytical and critical thinking, basic digital skills, green jobs, self-leadership, problem solving and decision making.

Mr. Getahun Bihon from Dilla Polytechnic College said the interactive and practical approach helped trainers connect learning with real workplace conditions.

“The training showed the value of learner centred approaches, including scenarios, group discussions and practical activities that reflect real workplace challenges,” he said. “This helps trainees build confidence, understand problems better and use core skills in ways that are relevant to their future work.”

The training showed the value of learner centred approaches, including scenarios, group discussions and practical activities.

The training also focused on how core skills can be assessed and mainstreamed into the teaching and learning process. Trainers explored approaches to integrate these skills into session plans, curricula and training materials, helping ensure that students build competencies that respond to labour market needs.

A key outcome of the training was the development of action plans by participants. These plans will guide how trainers implement core skills in their workplaces and support longer term institutional change.

For Eshetu Ayele, PhD, of Wolaita Sodo University, mainstreaming core skills can have long term impact on employment, productivity and economic development.

“Integrating core skills such as communication, teamwork, problem solving, critical thinking, digital literacy, adaptability and professionalism into technical training helps graduates become better prepared for the demands of the modern workplace,” he said. “This can increase youth employability, reduce unemployment, improve productivity and contribute to economic growth.”

By mainstreaming core skills into TVT delivery, the ILO and its partners are helping institutions prepare graduates who are not only technically trained, but also adaptable, productive and ready for changing workplaces.

The Hawassa training is part of broader efforts under the ILO Global Skills Programme in Ethiopia to strengthen market responsive and inclusive skills systems. The programme supports Ethiopia’s agenda for social and economic development by helping align skills development with labour market needs, national development priorities and pathways to decent employment.

It also promotes cross learning among selected institutions, including Hawassa University, Bahir Dar Polytechnic College and Arba Minch University. This approach is expected to support wider adoption of core skills and strengthen institutional ownership.

By mainstreaming core skills into TVT delivery, the ILO and its partners are helping institutions prepare graduates who are not only technically trained, but also adaptable, productive and ready for changing workplaces.

The result is a stronger foundation for youth employability, more responsive TVT institutions and better pathways to decent work in Ethiopia.

About ILO’s Global Skills Programme

ILO’s Global Skills Programme supports countries in building inclusive, demand driven skills systems. It promotes lifelong learning to help individuals adapt to evolving labour markets. The programme emphasizes social dialogue, equitable access and quality assurance in skills development. It aligns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, aiming to enhance employability and productivity worldwide. The Global Skills Programme is funded by Norway, through Norad, the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation.