Context
In many African countries, the economy is growing rapidly - and the labour market is changing just as quickly. Cooperation between the private sector and vocational education and training is therefore crucial, because economic potential can only be successfully tapped with well-trained specialists. So far, however, there is still a shortage of skilled workers many places, as local companies have not yet contributed their know-how to the training. Young people lack the necessary practical skills, especially in the craft sector.
Objective
Together with German companies, the project strengthens the labour force potential in Africa in order to improve employment prospects through practical vocational training. A network for international vocational training cooperation between German and African craft enterprises and vocational training organisations is being established.
Approach
With this project, the BMZ is using the potential of the German craft sector to influence development policy processes. Activities focus on the countries Rwanda, South Africa and Uganda. The project promotes cooperation by informing German craftspersons about their involvement in development cooperation and by preparing skilled workers for their activities in the target countries. It brings the target groups together both online and physically and initiates company- and learning-partnerships between German and African companies. The project is being implemented jointly with the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts.
Results achieved so far
Skilled crafts expertise for short-term missions can now be recruited from a network of around 80 trained craftspersons various trades (wood and metal processing, automotive and electrical engineering, renewable energies, sanitary, heating and air conditioning inter alia) that has been initiated by the project. In the target countries, an average of 15 skilled workers are trained per short-term assignment. More than 50 skilled crafts experts are now involved in African companies, vocational training institutions and craft projects. Seven company partnerships between German and African actors exist, and others are being developed.