Skills development in the time of COVID-19: taking stock of the initial responses in technical and vocational education and training

This report is based on the results of an interagency survey on technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and skills development in the time of [Coronavirus Disease 2019] COVID-19. The online survey, which was targeted at TVET providers, policymakers and social partners, was implemented by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the World Bank over the period from 5 April to 15 May 2020. The survey captured the main challenges faced by TVET institutions during this...  [+] Show more

This report is based on the results of an interagency survey on technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and skills development in the time of [Coronavirus Disease 2019] COVID-19. The online survey, which was targeted at TVET providers, policymakers and social partners, was implemented by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the World Bank over the period from 5 April to 15 May 2020. The survey captured the main challenges faced by TVET institutions during this crisis and brought to light innovations in teaching and learning. The report will help all those concerned to address current and future crises in their delivery of TVET and to manage the learning and training process effectively and to a high standard manner. Lessons may also be drawn for the post-crisis period, to strengthen the resilience and responsiveness of TVET systems and to inform broader reform efforts.

The introduction to the report is followed by chapter 2, which focuses on how TVET has been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including impacts on the provision of training and apprenticeships, and on examinations and certifications. Chapter 3 analyses the institution-level responses of TVET providers, including the transition to alternative modes of training and assessment that have emerged as a means of surmounting the constraints imposed to deal with the pandemic. It also discusses the ways in which human and financial resources are mobilized and new partnerships are established to support the continuity of TVET, looking at the measures that have been taken to address skill shortages in essential sectors due to COVID-19. Chapter 4 looks into the responses at the TVET system level, including policies and measures that countries have put in place to foster the continuity of learning and training, and explores lessons learned from the experience of TVET providers during the pandemic. The last chapter summarizes the key messages to be drawn from the survey analysis and presents a set of policy recommendations designed to ensure the recovery and preparedness of TVET in times of crisis and beyond.

Edited excerpts from publication.