ADDIS ABABA –The Ministry of Labor and Skills (MoLS), in collaboration with the International Labor Organization (ILO), has launched a new pilot initiative aimed at driving sustainable economic growth and creating jobs through demand-driven skills development.
The Agro-Processing Sector Skills Body, introduced yesterday, is tasked with identifying labor needs, standardizing skills and training programs, and overseeing competency assessments in the sector.
At the launch event, MoLS State Minister Teshale Berecha (PhD) described the initiative as a crucial step toward developing a dynamic, responsive, and effective skills environment that could significantly impact employment opportunities. Drawing from successful models in India, South Africa, and Ghana, Teshale emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement, private sector empowerment, and cross-sector collaboration to address skill development challenges and promote employment.
“The introduction of a new TVET strategy in 2008 marked a significant shift toward demand-driven, outcome-based skill development, resulting in transformative changes in our national skills ecosystem,” Teshale said. Despite challenges in stakeholder collaboration and funding, TVET institutions have been pivotal in disseminating technology and enhancing productivity in key sectors like agriculture and manufacturing.
The initiative is not merely an inauguration; it represents the start of a transformative era for Ethiopia’s agri-business and workforce development. It aims to create a resilient and competent economy while serving as a beacon of hope for the youth.
ILO Chief of Technical Advisor on Employment Antony Agyentahlighted that this unique initiative would significantly impact the National Action for Job Creation 2020-2025, which aims to generate approximately three million decent jobs. He noted that the demand-driven approach would facilitate collaboration among the government, industry, and training providers to align skills development with industry needs.
Ethiopia joins countries like South Africa, India, and Ghana in adopting the Sector Skills Development approach. A new Public-Private Partnership wing, the ‘National Technical Working Group,’ has also been established, consisting of 17 members, including 13 from private institutions and four from the government, to address skill gaps in key economic sectors.
BY ASHENAFI ANIMUT
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 31 AUGUST 2024
