Ethiopia: TVET Teachers’ Professional Competency: Challenges and Policy Recommendations

The government of Ethiopia has specifically recognized the importance of technical and vocational education and training (TVET), with competency-based training programs, a new TVET strategy to help reduce poverty and unemployment,
and industrial cooperative training to ensure that TVET is relevant to industry.

Despite these efforts, a number of challenges remain, including a shortage of competent TVET trainers and low competency among their colleagues; lack of communication and cooperation between stakeholders; and insufficient and inadequate facilities and infrastructure. Moreover, training has not remained aligned with occupational standards, and teachers, parents, and industries are not sufficiently involved in designing programs.

Although, the challenges facing TVET in Ethiopia are multifaceted, this policy brief focuses on the challenges and deficiencies of TVET teachers’ professional competency. It proposes a revised competency and qualification framework for TVET teachers and trainers. It also recommends interventions that would improve TVET and prepare the workforce for industry demand.