The International Labour Organization (ILO), through its Global Skills Programme - Ethiopia component and with support from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), is helping technical and vocational training institutions turn knowledge into impact. Former trainees of the Green TVT initiative are reshaping their campuses, embedding sustainability and environmental management into teaching, reducing waste, creating local enterprises, and inspiring positive change in their communities. By building capacity among educators and policymakers, the programme is enabling Ethiopia's skills system to power a greener, resilience and more inclusive economy.
The four-day Training on Green Technical and Vocational Training (Green TVT) - Skills for a Greener Future, held in Arba Minch from 28 to 31 October 2025, brought together TVT instructors, Ministry of Labour and Skills (MoLS) experts, and TVT institutional leaders to explore practical ways of integrating environmental sustainability into Ethiopia's training and workforce development strategies.
© ILO/Homa M. Ejeta
Green skills: Building the foundation for a sustainable future
Climate change and environmental degradation are reshaping the world of work, creating both challenges and opportunities. Green skills, which are knowledge and abilities that support environmentally responsible decisions and practices, are essential for workers and employers to adapt, innovate, and thrive in this changing landscape.
By mainstreaming these green skills within the technical and vocational training system, Ethiopia can better prepare its workforce for emerging sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, waste management, and green manufacturing. The ILO Global Skills Programme Ethiopia component is helping ensure that national training institutions are ready to meet this growing demand.
From awareness to transformation
For many trainees, the Green TVT approach has transformed how they view their work.
Gidaje Gimite, Dean of Kamba Polytechnic College in Gamo Zone, reflected on the shift in mindset the training created at his institution:
"At first, we thought Green TVT only meant planting trees or greening the campus environment. But after the training, we understood it is much broader than that. We reorganized our institution around Green TVT T principles, designing standards that are future ready and relevant. It improved our training quality, changed public perception, and even increased our student enrolment."
Gidaje added that his college has introduced sustainable on-campus enterprises such as banana and coffee cultivation, waste recycling, and cooperative training initiatives that generate income and practical learning opportunities for students.
Similarly, Banchigize Zenebe, an automotive instructor at West Abaya TVT College, noted that the training changed both attitudes and practices:
"We learned that Green TVT goes beyond greening the campus environment, it is about creating safe, efficient, and sustainable work practices. Our trainees now repair and reuse broken machines and motorbikes, reducing waste and costs. We have also engaged them in local beautification projects and community partnerships. These small steps are creating real change."
© ILO/Homa M. Ejeta
National ownership and commitment
Through interactive sessions, case studies, and group discussions, participants in the Arba Minch training examined the connections between Ethiopia's climate resilience Green Economy Strategy, TVT policy and strategy, and the Sustainable Development Goals. They developed action plans to embed sustainability principles into competency standards and institutional frameworks.
Reflecting on the broader national vision, Muhedin Abamoga, CEO for Training and Capacity Building Sector at the Ministry of Labour and Skills, emphasized the urgency of aligning training and employment systems with environmental priorities:
"Harmony with the environment has never been more pressing than this time in our history. Skills in the green economy and environmental protection are crucial for all of us, educators, policymakers, and workers alike. By equipping our workforce with green skills, we are not only protecting our natural resources but also empowering citizens to create sustainable livelihoods and contribute to Ethiopia's long-term development vision."
Toward inclusive and resilient growth
The ILO partnership with NORAD reflects a shared commitment to advancing skills development that supports people, prosperity, and the planet. By empowering technical and vocational training institutions to integrate green skills, the programme contributes to Ethiopia's broader efforts to foster decent work, environmental stewardship, and inclusive economic growth.
Green skills are more than technical competencies; they are the cornerstone of a resilient, forward-looking workforce. Through initiatives like this, Ethiopia is taking important steps toward achieving a greener, fairer, and more sustainable future for all.
About Global Skills Programme - Ethiopia component
The ILO Global Skills Programme component in Ethiopia, focuses on improving the quality and inclusion of Ethiopia's skills development system. It addresses key challenges by enhancing Technical and Vocational and Training (TVT), strengthening skills to support international trade, and promoting social inclusion for marginalized groups like women and people with disabilities. The program uses a multi-component approach that includes skills anticipation, strengthening the skills system, and ensuring social inclusion through various initiatives such as green skills training and digital hub.
