TVET Centers of Competence project, phasing out

In 2014, the oPt aggregate real GDP declined by 0.4 percent, the first contraction since 2006. Macro-economic prospects for future years are bleak.

High unemployment rates; The unemployment rate among labour force is 24%. The unemployment rate in the West Bank is 18% (15% for males and 27% for females), compared with 44% in Gaza Strip (40% for males and 57% for females – the highest in the world) .

TVET, Labor Market and National Employment strategies were endorsed by the concerned ministries and implemented since 2010. Despite renewed dynamics and attention over the past few years, the sector continues to be characterized by fragmentation and does not match labour market needs. Despite its high relevance and opportunities, low enrolment rates of 4% characterize the sector reflecting poor perception/consideration of TVET.

Highly specialized and qualified Centers of Competence (CoCs) contributing to reduction of youth unemployment in selected governorates and increasing the competitiveness of the local enterprises in selected fields of economy.

• 6 TVET institutions in various  economic fields
• Direct beneficiaries are the students enrolling in vocational education in the targeted institutions (annual average enrollment rate 300 students)
• Staff of the selected TVET institutions that become regional centres of competence (on average 400 personnel targeted)
• Ministries of Labor (MoL) and Ministry of Education & Higher Education (MoEHE),
• Stakeholders of the TVET institutions sector accessing services from CoCs, and
• young women and men working in the agricultural sector

The pilot CoCs are recognized as regional centers of competence for providing central technology resources in the region, imparting vocational education and continuous training in their professional field and being important partners of public TVET institutions and entrepreneurs in competence development:

• The CoC concept and the pilot experiences are acknowledged by the relevant ministries and stakeholders, integrated in the TVET strategy and effectively implemented
• Effective functions of the TVET sector such as M&E systems, accreditation and quality management systems, certification procedures, and linkage to labor market core processes, are installed and strengthened

Expected results:  

• Concepts of mutual cooperation between CoCs and their partners are implemented, connecting different levels of vocational education and further training activities
• CoCs’ linkage with private sector is strengthened through the enhanced involvement of private sector organizations in “company-led” training, certification, examination, and overall accreditation of the CoCs.
• A generally approved concept for the preparation and an implementation plan for CoC are developed and approved and will be mainstreamed and disseminated by the MoEHE or MoL based on general regulations (macro level) in both the West Bank and Gaza
• Well-defined, quality management standards, procedures and systems are established and implemented in the CoCs

Results from previous phases:  

• 6 centers in five different economic fields (Food processing, automotive, fashion design, construction, Media and filmmaking) have become Centers of Competence (improvement in the fields of curriculum development, equipment, local and international partnerships, Training of trainers, up-to-date equipment) 
• Coordination among TVET institutions has been strengthened; coordination among national authorities and donors has improved
• Comprehensive governance concept for TVET ( National TVET agency) has been developed and currently in process of being endorsed by the Palestinian cabinet.

Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE), Ministry of Labor (MoL), Local TVET Councils, involved private sector institutions, Islamic Relief Palestine, Oxfam Great Britain

• Part of GIZ programme financed by EU, BMZ and SDC
• Coordination/complementarities with ongoing TVET interventions in Gaza directly supported by SDC as well as others such as UNRWA
• Coordination/collaboration with private sector representatives (e.g. chamber of commerce) and other local TVET and labor market actors
• Coordination/cooperation with SDC FFV project in the West Bank. (“Improved Access to Markets for Female and Male Fresh Fruits and Vegetable (FFV) Small Scale Producers in the West Bank” project  implemented by Oxfam Great Britain – OGB)

Phase 2 01.07.2015 - 31.08.2017   (Completed)