Technical and vocational education and training

In many of our partner countries, the technical vocational education and training system does not meet the expectations of young people or the requirements of the economy. Together with our partners, we are improving systems and framework conditions to create vocational education and training that meets the requirements of the labour market.

Stale curricula and a lack of cooperation with the private sector worsen the preparation of graduates. This leads to high youth unemployment and a shortage of skilled workers. GIZ promotes close cooperation with the private sector and the development of practical training programmes similar to the German dual model.

In many of GIZ’s countries of assignment, technical and vocational training institutions are outdated, poorly networked and understaffed. We support the establishment, modernisation and management of TVET institutions and promote their cooperation with the private sector and civil society.

There is often a lack of framework conditions for high-quality training for teachers, trainers and public authority staff. We support partner countries in shaping the political framework, strengthen institutions for the qualification of teaching staff and develop tailor-made training programmes.

GIZ supports the validation of skills – whether with an official qualification, gained through courses or learned in life. In this way, we facilitate access to the education system for disadvantaged groups, develop individual capacities and establish national professional standards. This in turn supports the (international) migration of skilled workers. 

Without clear orientation, young people often make decisions that raise unrealistic expectations and make it difficult to get started. This leads to high drop-out rates and an increased risk of unemployment and exploitation. We are committed to better career guidance, more information services and an easier transition into the labour market. 

We support international partners in setting up training opportunities for climate-friendly business practices. In TVET and universities, we promote green skills in areas such as renewable energies, the circular economy and sustainable mobility.

Worldwide, women are less likely to be in employment than men. We promote their opportunities through technical and vocational education and training. We pursue a three-pronged approach: 

• Policy dialogue
• Empowerment
• Gender mainstreaming

Childcare accompanies the offer in many cases. 

We make technical and vocational education and training and employment more inclusive. To this end, we advise partners on laws, strategies and accessible infrastructure.

Conflicts and displacement make access to vocational training more difficult. We support our partner countries in expanding technical and vocational education and training in fragile contexts – for displaced persons, internally displaced persons and host communities.