ILO Boosts Assessors in Bahir Dar for Skills Recognition

The International Labour Organization (ILO), through its Global Skills Programme - Ethiopia and with support from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NoRAD), equips 35 RPL assessors with the technical tools and methodologies required to implement the National RPL Framework and Policy effectively.

Recognition of Prior Learning provides a structured and quality-assured mechanism for individuals to obtain certification for competencies acquired through work experience, informal learning and non-formal training. By validating these skills, RPL enhances employability, improves labour mobility and strengthens access to further education and career advancement.

Supporting national TVT reform

RPL is identified as a key pillar in Ethiopia's updated national TVT strategy, particularly in fostering job readiness and expanding certification pathways. Building a credible nationwide RPL system requires trained assessors capable of applying competency-based, evidence-driven assessment methods aligned with national standards.

Participants from Amhara region TVT colleges and industry took part in the workshop, with a strong commitment to gender balance. Over four days, they engage in comprehensive sessions covering competency standards, evidence requirements, portfolio development, certification procedures, appeals mechanisms and audit processes.

Through the use of standardised tools and templates developed under the ILO RPL initiative, participants strengthen their ability to conduct fair, transparent and quality-assured assessments.

Strengthening implementation on the ground

For Yetemegn Enedeg, Instructor and Industry Extension Service Coordinator at Bahir Dar Polytechnic College, the training strengthened both technical understanding and coordination mechanisms required for successful implementation.

"I gained new knowledge and experience from this training, particularly on how RPL should be implemented and how stakeholders must cooperate in the process," she said. "Recognition brings many benefits for uncertified workers, including formal acknowledgement of their skills, improved self-esteem, promotion opportunities and access to further training."

She emphasised that applying the national guidelines and strengthening collaboration will be essential. "We will implement the prepared guidelines, adjust systems where necessary and establish stronger collaboration frameworks to recognise workers' skills."

Kassa Mengesha, a CoC research expert, highlighted clarity of governance and accountability as key takeaways.

"I gained knowledge on what RPL is, how it operates and who is responsible at different levels," he explained. "For candidates, RPL helps them feel recognised as professionals. It enables them to support themselves, their families and contribute to their country."

Drawing on previous assessment experience, he noted that similar processes have existed but without a structured RPL framework. "With the structured RPL system, assessments become more standardised and transparent," he said, adding that continued dialogue will further strengthen guideline implementation.

For Azmeraw Amare, an ISO Task Management Representative, the training deepened understanding of competency-based assessment and portfolio preparation.

"The training helped me understand the RPL process, portfolio preparation and how to assess competence properly," he said. "RPL creates opportunities for skilled but uncertified workers to have their abilities formally recognised and to access better employment prospects."

He noted that he plans to apply the learning by raising awareness within his institution, guiding candidates in preparing portfolios and ensuring assessments are conducted according to competency standards. Although he has not yet conducted a full RPL assessment, the practical exercises provided valuable preparation for implementation.

Expanding access to decent work

The training prepares assessors to support RPL implementation in selected occupations, including tourism and hospitality and other priority sectors identified as drivers of economic growth. As Ethiopia advances the phased rollout of RPL across regions and sectors, strengthened assessor capacity will play a pivotal role in reducing skills mismatches, improving productivity and expanding access to decent employment.

By equipping assessors with technical expertise and practical tools, the ILO is helping Ethiopia lay the institutional foundation for a sustainable and inclusive RPL system, one that recognises competence wherever it is acquired and ensures that skilled but uncertified workers are not left behind.

The training ran from 10 -13 March 2026 in Bahir Dar and represented another concrete step toward a fully operational national RPL system.

About 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, NoRAD (Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation).