Founded on the draft National TVET Strategy, a number of new elements are being introduced into the system in the course of the reform, such as an Ethiopian TVET Qualifications Framework. Employers and their representatives are key stakeholders of the reformed TVET system and they are hence invited to contribute actively to the ongoing reform.
In order to benefit from international experience and to ensure that the proposed reform of the TVET system is in line with international best practice, a German consultant was asked to review the reform process so far, and to share his experience in contributing to TVET reforms in a number of countries. The consultant, Professor Dr. Hermann Schmidt, was the director of the German Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BiBB) for more than twenty years. He has advised many countries on the reform of their TVET system, such as Kuwait, Malaysia and Russia. Recently, he has been involved in the development of the European Qualifications Framework, and in the subsequent design of a National Qualifications Framework in Germany.
Dr. Schmidt gave a lecture on international experience in building a TVET system on 10 August 2006 at German House, focusing on:
Dr. Schmidt also addressed current challenges in the Ethiopian TVET reform. He applauded the Ethiopian government for undertaking such an ambitious and important reform, but also advised decision-makers to “proceed courageously, but with caution” in designing and implementing the reformed system.
The lecture was attended by more than 40 participants. Among them were representatives from the Ethiopian Employers’ Federation, the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce, professional associations, the Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions, the Federal Civil Service Agency, the Ministry of Education, public and private TVET institutions, and from German and Italian development cooperation agencies. The audience thus reflected all principal stakeholders in the TVET reform. The lecture was followed by an informal gathering which gave the opportunity for more individual and in-depth discussions.
TVET is one of the four components of the Engineering Capacity Building Program (ECBP), an Ethiopian initiative to improve competitiveness and promote employment. University reform, quality infrastructure and private sector development are the other components that complete ECBP.
