Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)
Developing countries need support with technical and vocational education and training. After all, countries need a well-trained workforce to be competitive.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is a central pillar of sustainable and viable economic development. It contributes to the achievement of all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and thus promotes a lifestyle that is economically, socially and ecologically sustainable. SDGs 4, 5 and 8, in particular, highlight the importance of TVET and employment for sustainable development: SDG 4 demands that inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities be available to all. In particular, it calls for better promotion of access to TVET and better promotion of the employability of young people and adults. SDG 5 addresses gender equality with regard to access to training for women and men. SDG 8 includes the specific target of substantially reducing by 2020 the proportion of young people who are not in employment, education or training.
Well-trained people have better chances of finding decent employment and securing a livelihood. The availability of qualified experts makes a country or region more competitive as a location for business and investment. At the same time, TVET also contributes to development at a personal level. It boosts people’s confidence in their own abilities, forms the basis for self-assured and active participation in community life and therefore fosters social cohesion. To have a positive impact, TVET must be tailored to the needs of society and the labour market, and must enable equal access for all in accordance with the 2030 Agenda’s guiding principle of ‘leave no one behind’.
In line with the objectives of the German Government and on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), GIZ supports its partner countries in developing and implementing strategies and policies for TVET. GIZ gears its activities to the needs of the labour market and society. An important aspect in this regard is the close cooperation between the state, civil society and (formally organised) businesses. Moreover, quality TVET with practical relevance can only be provided by well-trained teachers and trainers. Particular emphasis is placed on the equal participation of girls and women.