Reforming technical and vocational education and training in the Middle East and North Africa: experiences and challenges

The aim of this report, the result of a joint project undertaken by the European Training Foundation (ETF) and the World Bank, is to disseminate information on current reform initiatives in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in different countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and to promote the exchange of information and experiences among policymakers in countries facing common issues. The TVET reform agenda is 'how to shift TVET from its current emphasis on lower quality learning opportunities to a contributing role for the development of skills necessary for the knowledge economy'. This report looks at the following initiatives: improving governance; financing TVET; improving quality and opportunities for learning in TVET; consolidating the new partnership with the private sector; and informal employment and the acquisition of skills. The report concludes that: the role of TVET needs to be refocused as an instrument for the knowledge economy; TVET needs to be inclusive of social partners; accountability mechanisms and decentralisation need to be developed for public provision of training services; improved relevance, better quality and increased opportunity for lifelong learning need new sources of funding and new funding mechanisms; the current quality innovations need to be within a larger framework for reform; the limited capacity which constrains the participation of the private sector needs to be addressed; and learning opportunities for informal sector workers need to be developed in partnership with non-government organisations.

The aim of this report, the result of a joint project undertaken by the European Training Foundation (ETF) and the World Bank, is to disseminate information on current reform initiatives in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in different countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and to promote the exchange of information and experiences among policymakers in countries facing common issues. The TVET reform agenda is 'how to shift TVET from its current emphasis on lower quality learning opportunities to a contributing role for the development of skills ...  [+] Show more