The ILO has equipped TVT trainers in Bahir Dar with practical tools to integrate core skills into session plan, curricula and assessment systems, helping institutions better prepare young people for employability, adaptability and the future of work.
Held from 19 - 22 May 2026, the four-day training brought together 35 TVT trainers from Bahir Dar and nearby institutions. Through interactive sessions, group work and practical learning, participants strengthened their ability to mainstream core skills into classroom practice and institutional learning systems.
© ILO/Homa M. Ejeta
Core skills such as communication, teamwork, critical thinking, problem solving, adaptability, emotional intelligence, digital literacy and environmental awareness are increasingly essential for young people entering the labour market. These skills help graduates collaborate, respond to change, improve productivity and transition more successfully into decent work.
The training responded to identified gaps in the delivery of core skills across selected technical and vocational training institutions. It supported trainers to move beyond standalone lessons and embed core skills directly into session plans, curricula, learning materials and assessment approaches.
For Saba Mekuriaw, Instructor at Bahir Dar Polytechnic College, the training highlighted the central role of communication in helping students move successfully into work.
"Communication skills are very important for improving the employability of my graduating students. I plan to integrate practical exercises and assignments on problem solving, teamwork and decision making, using real workplace cases so trainees can better demonstrate these skills in their future jobs," she said.
Sessions covered the ILO core skills global framework, workplace communication, teamwork and conflict management, digital skills, green jobs, self-awareness and management, emotional intelligence, problem solving, decision making and core skills assessment.
Participants also developed action plans to support implementation in their institutions and strengthen the link between training delivery and labour market needs.
Dessie Zeleke, Vice Dean at Adet TVET College, said the practical approach helped connect training content with the realities of the workplace.
"The training approach was encouraging because it connected learning with real life workplace experience. I will use this approach with staff and trainees by focusing on practical cases that reflect the realities of work, rather than training that remains distant from day-to-day workplace challenges," he said.
The training was implemented through the ILO Global Skills Programme in Ethiopia, funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation, NoRAD. The programme supports Ethiopia's efforts to build a more market responsive and inclusive skills development system that contributes to decent employment creation, economic diversification and sustainable growth.
© ILO/Homa M. Ejeta
By strengthening the capacity of TVT trainers, the initiative aims to create longer term institutional impact. Trainers are expected to apply the approaches in their teaching, support curriculum integration and help scale core skills delivery to more students.
For Getnet Mekonen, Electrical Technology Department Head at BPTC, digital skills stood out as a key priority for institutional action.
"Basic digital skills are essential. I plan to work with colleagues, management and the guidance and counselling team to share knowledge, conduct short term training and support departments to implement core skills," he said.
The ILO Global Skills Programme will continue supporting selected institutions to mainstream core skills and promote cross learning, helping young people gain the competencies they need to thrive in the changing world of work.
About ILO's Global Skills Programme
ILO's Global Skills Programme supports countries in building inclusive, demand driven skills systems. It promotes lifelong learning to help individuals adapt to evolving labour markets. The programme emphasizes social dialogue, equitable access and quality assurance in skills development. It aligns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, aiming to enhance employability and productivity worldwide. The Global Skills Programme is funded by Norway, through Norad, the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation.
