Quality vocational skills development that enables trainees to gain a foothold in the labour market and to find and keep jobs with decent working conditions can contribute to poverty reduction. The goal is economic development that benefits all. The SDC works with the public authorities and the private sector to develop training programmes tailored to the needs of the market.

Focus of the SDC's activities

The SDC supports a vocational skills development approach that can provide trainees with the skills they need to take part in the labour market and which gives them access to reasonably paid work. The idea is to enable them to acquire the professional skills to take part in the formal or informal labour market either as employees or self-employed workers.

The SDC wants to ensure that young trainees, once trained, can go on to find employment and contribute to productivity growth. The aim is to increase training opportunities and to ensure that all sections of the population – the poor and not so poor, women and men, and urban and rural residents – can benefit from them.

In order to ensure that training programmes are optimally tailored to the needs of trainees and the economy, the SDC makes every effort to involve both the public authorities and the private sector in the planning and implementation stages. The most promising training programmes comprise theoretical and practical instruction – like Switzerland’s dual vocational education and training system.

The SDC is working to improve vocational skills development opportunities, but also encourages the recognition of informal work experience and learning, including self-taught skills, which many professionals can bring to the table.

Depending on the circumstances and contexts, the SDC recommends including introductory modules for certain trades in compulsory school curricula. Career counselling services have proved useful in secondary schools. Ideally, vocational skills development should provide a bridge between basic education and the world of work. With this in mind, the SDC complements vocational skills development programmes with activities to strengthen the private sector and create jobs.

Background

In 2017, some 71 million young people of working age are unemployed. Nearly twice this number are living in poverty, often because they lack education and training and cannot find a decent job. Only 11% of young people in secondary education around the world are enrolled in vocational programmes.

There is a clear need to increase training opportunities to enable young people to prove their potential on the labour market. Vocational skills development, like basic education, is a fundamental condition for economic and social development. It is critically important for vocational skills development to build on high-quality basic education and, if necessary, to close existing knowledge gaps.

Quality vocational skills development only makes sense, however, if those who graduate from vocational skills development programmes find employment opportunities. According to the World Bank, 40 million new jobs are expected to be created annually to absorb the growing number of young people entering the labour market, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

Providing a skilled workforce can boost business productivity and competitiveness, which has a positive effect on economic growth and job creation. Offering prospects to the vulnerable and meeting the aspirations of young people is essential to avoid wasting human and economic potential.

Testimonials from beneficiaries

People who have benefited from vocational training talk about their experiences.

Gender and skills development

The SDC integrates respect for gender equality in its projects and ensures that women have access to the job market.

Current Projects

Object 97 – 108 of 120

Project completed

Contribution to the "International business college in Mitrovica (IBCM) - North Kosovo"

01.05.2012 - 31.12.2015

The main objective of this project is to contribute to an existing multi-donor project in order to create opportunities and entry points in North Kosovo. In the same time, this contribution will address issues of SDC current portfolio, such as quality education and vocational skills development, strengthening of (minority inclusive) economic development and reduction of youth unemployment.


Project completed

Broadening the range of occupations to boost the economy

A young man sawing a wooden board.

01.05.2012 - 31.01.2016

Since 2012, the SDC has been running a programme specifically designed for young Rwandans. By improving the quality of several vocational schools in Rwanda, the SDC aims to better equip young people to meet the needs of the country's economy, which must become more diversified if it is to grow. The SDC's efforts are also helping the most disadvantaged members of society to enter the job market.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
The Great Lakes Region

Rwanda, Western Province

Vocational training
Employment & economic development
Health
Vocational training
Employment creation
Health systems strengthening

01.05.2012 - 31.01.2016


CHF 9'740'000



Project completed

MarketMakers

02.04.2012 - 31.05.2017

Poor economic performance in the recent years has led to insufficient job creation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Young women and men have been hardest hit by the economic crisis and are also over-proportionally affected by the precarious working conditions, including low wages and lack of social insurance. MarketMakers aims at stimulating the creation of new employment opportunities and demand-driven professional skills training for young people in three selected economic sectors (e.g. ICT).


Project completed
Project completed
Project completed

Reform of the Slovakian vocational education and training system

Three baker apprentices showing the bread they have made.

26.01.2012 - 31.03.2017

The goal of this project is the reform of Slovakia's vocational education and training system to better gear vocational education and training (VET) programmes toward the country's labour market. According to statistics, youth unemployment in Slovakia is around 30%.  Many sectors of the economy in Slovakia nevertheless complain that it is difficult to find well-qualified staff and wish to see more practice-oriented vocational education and training. This project therefore actively promotes cooperation between upper-secondary vocational schools, industry associations and employer organisations. Switzerland functions as a model and with its extensive experience of the dual vocational education system, is playing an important part in the ongoing reform.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Slovakia
Unallocated / Unspecified
Sectors not specified
Promoting economic growth and improving working conditions
VocationalTraining
Regional development and employment

26.01.2012 - 31.03.2017


CHF 3'885'000



Project completed

Modern Management of the Gotania Subregion

09.08.2011 - 31.07.2016

The project aims at developing the local entrepreneurship and the tourism offer by promoting local potentials, particularly in the field of culture, history, art and handicraft.
 


Project completed

Setting Standards in technical vocational education and training (TVET) in the Gaza Strip

01.08.2011 - 30.11.2016

While unemployment in the Gaza strip is a major challenge, especially for young women and men, there is a clearly identified need for skilled workers. SDC support focuses on enhancing the capacities of governmental TVET (technical vocational education and training) institutions to provide quality education that meets the market labour demand. The project will work towards the adoption and implementation of the national Palestinian TVET strategy in Gaza and will engage with all sectors’ stakeholders.


Project completed
Project completed
Project completed

Children excluded from the formal education system in Borgou

Benin

01.06.2011 - 30.06.2016

In Borgou, a rural department in northern Benin, more than half of school-age children do not have access to this basic right. Switzerland has joined forces with the government of Benin to give children excluded from formal schooling a high-quality basic education geared to their needs.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Benin
Education
Vocational training
Basic life skills
Primary education
Vocational training

01.06.2011 - 30.06.2016


CHF 6'610'000



Project completed

Water Management Skills Development in Uzbekistan

A teacher and three apprentices standing in front of an electrical panel

01.01.2011 - 28.02.2015

The project focuses on professional colleges in rural areas of Andijan, Namangan, Fergana and Tashkent provinces. Approximately 1500 pupils participated in the new educational programme, enabling them to meet the requirements of the labour market and learn about new technological standards. At a later stage and based on the results of the experience gained at the 11 colleges, the programme will be introduced at a further 200 colleges throughout the country.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Uzbekistan
Vocational training
Education
Agriculture & food security
Vocational training
Education policy
Agricultural water resources

01.01.2011 - 28.02.2015


CHF 3'860'000


Object 97 – 108 of 120