Ethiopia has recognized the critical role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in promoting youth employment and contributing to economic growth. Over the past two decades, the country has established 634 TVET institutions to facilitate these goals. Despite this expansion, the impact of TVET on employment outcomes has been limited. In response to these challenges, the German Development Cooperation (GDC) launched the “Promotion of TVET in Ethiopia” program, aimed at improving the quality and relevance of TVET training to align with the evolving skill demands of the economy. This case study evaluates the impact of the GDC intervention on the employment outcomes of TVET graduates, focusing on several technical and financial cooperation projects.

Primary Objectives

The primary objective of this evaluation was to assess the impact of the GDC program on enhancing employment outcomes for TVET graduates. Specific goals included:

• Assessing competency enhancement among graduates due to GDC support.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of GDC’s support in improving the relevance and quality of TVET.
• Describing the expansion of employment opportunities for TVET graduates.

Key Projects Involved

The evaluation employed a Context, Input, Process, Product (CIPP) model and utilized a convergent parallel mixed-methods research design with a quasi-experimental approach. Data was collected through surveys, key informant interviews, and in-depth interviews with various stakeholders, including TVET trainers, employers, and graduates.

It focused on eight projects under both technical and financial cooperation, including:

• Promotion of Vocational and Agricultural Training
• Support for Ethiopian Refugees
• Capacity Expansion in the Training of Medical Professionals
• Basket Funding for Education in Ethiopia
• Capacity Development of Professionals in the Health Sector
• Sustainable Training and Education Program II (STEP II)
• Qualifications and Employment Perspectives for Refugees and Host Communities in Ethiopia (QEP)
• Sustainable Training and Education Project (STEP III)

Findings

The evaluation revealed several key outcomes from the GDC intervention:

• Improved Trainer Competency: Trainers in intervention institutions reported increased competency and motivation, leading to better-prepared graduates.
• Enhanced Training Environments: Financial support improved facilities and infrastructure, positively affecting practical training outcomes.
• Core and Supplementary Competencies: Graduates from intervention institutions demonstrated significant improvements in both core and supplementary competencies, with combined support yielding the best results.
• Employment Opportunities: All forms of GDC support contributed to enhanced employment opportunities, with males more likely to secure wage employment while females excelled in self-employment.
• Reduced Time to Employment: Graduates from intervention institutions found jobs more quickly, highlighting the effectiveness of GDC support.
• Increased Job Satisfaction: Graduates receiving combined financial and technical support reported higher job satisfaction compared to those with only technical support.
• Higher Income Levels: The average monthly income of graduates from technically supported institutions showed significant improvement, narrowing the income gap with non-intervention institutions.

Recommendations

• Based on the study’s findings, the following recommendations are proposed to enhance the effectiveness of the GDC program:
• Strengthen Gender-Focused Interventions: Implement targeted scholarships and mentorship programs to promote female participation in TVET.
• Enhance Support for People with Disabilities: Adopt inclusive policies and provide specialized resources to support students with disabilities.
• Promote Graduate Mobility: Establish partnerships with employers across regions to facilitate job mobility and address regional employment disparities.
• Invest in Trainer Competence: Develop comprehensive training programs for trainers to keep pace with technological advancements.
• Improve Facilities and Infrastructure: Address shortages in training equipment and collaborate with industry partners for effective cooperative training.
• Enhance Cooperative Training: Strengthen agreements with training partners to ensure compliance and support for hands-on training.
• Policy Incentives for Industry Participation: Create incentives to encourage industry support for trainee mentorship and equipment utilization.
• Continuous Impact Evaluation: Implement regular evaluations to monitor the program’s effectiveness and adapt to the evolving labor market needs.
• Target Core and Supplementary Competencies: Tailor interventions to address specific skill gaps identified through ongoing assessments.
• Foster Innovation and Partnerships: Collaborate with the private sector and international institutions to enhance the quality of TVET graduates.

Conclusion

The GDC intervention in Ethiopia’s TVET system has demonstrated a positive impact on the employment outcomes of graduates. By focusing on enhancing competencies, improving training quality, and expanding employment opportunities, the program has made significant strides in addressing the challenges faced by TVET graduates. Implementing the recommended strategies will further strengthen the TVET system, ensuring that it meets the evolving demands of the Ethiopian economy while promoting social and economic participation among youth.