Promoting dual vocational training in Côte d'Ivoire

Context

Côte d'Ivoire is experiencing high average economic growth. Nevertheless, more than 40 per cent of the population continues to live in poverty. Young people between the ages of 14 and 24 are particularly affected. According to the World Bank, this group has the highest rates of unemployment and underemployment. The situation is similar for women, who have only limited access to economic activities.

The current technical and vocational education and training (TVET) system is also facing challenges: The majority of training content is outdated, political communication channels with employers are limited and training courses lack practical components. The system is currently not able to prepare graduates for the labour market. The Ivorian Government recognises cooperative approaches with companies as a viable solution, but it must optimise the institutional framework and cooperation with the private sector.

Objective

Improved institutional and professional expertise contribute to the development of labour market-oriented dual TVET courses.

Approach

The project operates in the following areas:

• It advises the Ivorian Ministry in charge of Technical and Vocational Education and Training and downstream state authorities on establishing a legal and institutional framework to manage the cooperative TVET system.
• It enhances the quality of dual vocational training. The project works to network and advise the Ivorian Pedagogical Institute for Technical and Vocational Education (Institut Pédagogique Nationale de l'Enseignement Technique et Professionnel), the General Inspectorate, the agency for vocational training (Agence de Développement de la Formation Professionnelle) and the private sector. Together, they are introducing a quality management system to ensure that dual training courses are developed and implemented taking gender-specific perspectives into account.
• It also promotes dual training by supporting vocational schools and companies with implementation and skills development.

Last update: November 2023