Recognising skills wherever they are gained is becoming a powerful driver of opportunity and inclusion in Ethiopia, where many workers acquire their abilities through hands-on experience rather than formal schooling. As the country moves to operationalize its national Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) system, new efforts supported by the ILO Global Skills Programme (GSP) are helping to ensure workers' real-world skills are valued, validated, and translated into better jobs, higher incomes, and stronger confidence. A key component of this progress is the recent training of RPL assessors in Hawassa, equipping them with the tools and methods to assess and certify the competencies of uncertified workers across sectors and occupations.
© ILO/Homa M. Ejeta
Hands-on training to recognise skills gained through real experience
Participants explored the principles, processes, and tools that guide RPL implementation. A key highlight was a mock assessment and certification exercise, where trainees simulated the full RPL process from portfolio review and competency conversations to evidence verification and final certification decisions.
This practical component allowed assessors to apply best-practice RPL methods using real-world scenarios, strengthening their ability to assess and evaluate skills and knowledge acquired through work experience, and informal pathways.
The final day of the training focused on drafting action plans for RPL implementation, enabling each participant to outline concrete next steps to operationalize RPL in their respective regions and sectors. These plans form the foundation for Ethiopia's upcoming RPL pilot programmes in priority industries.
Ensuring no skill goes unrecognized
For many Ethiopian workers, lack of formal certification remains a major barrier to decent work, mobility, and professional growth. Ashenafi Semerga, from Gurage Zone TVET Technology Transfer and Industry Extension Directorate, highlighted the challenges faced by workers whose skills are not recognized .
"Workers who are not recognized in a formal way often face challenges in employment, low pay, slow professional development, and a lack of confidence. RPL helps bridge the gap by formally acknowledging real-world skills and experience to the national lever qualification framework giving workers greater opportunities and reducing these challenges."
© ILO/Homa M. Ejeta
Ashenafi, one of the participants trained as an RPL assessor, emphasized the impact of the new skills he has gained.
"As an RPL assessor, my new skills will help workers in my sector and community gain recognition. By fairly assessing their knowledge, skills, and experience, I can guide workers in transforming what they already know into formal qualifications. This recognition opens doors to job opportunities, builds confidence, and contributes to a more skilled and motivated workforce."
Supporting Ethiopia's skills and economic transformation
Ethiopia is prioritizing RPL as part of its national Technical and Vocational Training strategy, recognizing its importance in improving labour market outcomes, promoting inclusion, and supporting sectors critical for economic growth such as garment manufacturing, agriculture, mining, ICT, tourism and hospitality and construction.
The ILO Global Skills Programme supports this agenda by providing technical assistance, capacity building, and tools for implementing a robust, quality-assured RPL system.
By equipping assessors with the competencies to deliver credible and fair RPL services, the programme contributes to a more inclusive skills ecosystem, one in which skill is recognized no matter where it takes place.
© ILO/Homa M. Ejeta
A pathway toward decent work and lifelong learning
With the training now complete, Ethiopia has a strengthened cadre of RPL assessors ready to participate in pilot assessments in the selected sectors and, later, support expansion to other industries across the country.
Through RPL, skilled workers who have learned through experience but lack formal documentation can access better employment, higher earnings, and further training opportunities. For employers, RPL provides a clearer view of worker competence, helping address skills mismatches and boosting productivity.
As Ethiopia moves toward scaling RPL nationwide, the newly trained assessors will play a central role in ensuring that every skill counts, supporting both national development priorities and the aspirations of thousands of workers across the country.
