Public-Private Partnerships in Vocational Educational and Training

The number of young people currently not in employment, education or training (NEET) is rising, according to a report by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) dated March 2020.  The same report recommends an extended and improved offer of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to meet the changing demands of the digital economy. Revising and modernising training programmes will lead to quicker job insertion for young people (those aged 15-24) who have particular difficulty finding jobs.

Alexis Hoyaux, the expert on TVET and advisor to the development agency of the government of Luxembourg, LuxDev, was invited to hold a training session during DEVCO training on Vocational Educational and Training (VET), organised in February 2020. 

During his session, Mr Hoyaux defined the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, and he explained the opportunities and threats of this cooperation for TVET programmes. “Governments need to form partnerships; working with the private sector, with trade unions”, Mr Hoyaux continues, “only then, we can start to see differences in the quality of TVET provided to students”. 

The training centre for port and logistic professions in Dakar, a well-functioning PPP

The Training Centre for Port and Logistic Professions (CFMPL in French) of Dakar, Senegal, was created by local businesses from the harbour and logistics sector, with funds from the local authorities and the French Development Agency. The CFMPL is an example of a well-functioning PPP in TVET programmes, with a job insertion rate of 90% for recent graduates. 

Awa Ndiyae Sagna, director of the CFMPL, explains the success of this centre in a video interview produced for the EU funded initiative VET Toolbox. “The state has built and equipped the training centre,” Mrs Sagna continues, “the board of directors works with high autonomy when it comes to administrative, financial and educational matters.” 

Alexis Hoyaux agrees, “This training centre is effective because the CFMPL works closely with companies that will employ the graduates of the centre. The PPP collaboration means continuous vocational training and secured funding. Mrs Sagna’s understanding of the sector and her contacts among private companies helped her greatly to put the right people together to achieve results.”

In the following video, Alexis Hoyaux identifies best practices for PPP.

The PPP model in Ferizaj, Kosovo
Another successful PPP is the one in Ferizaj, Kosovo. This model was instrumental in empowering young optical technicians to keep up to date with global industry trends. Here, the students of the Centre of Competence (CoC) improved their curricula with updated teaching and learning materials and conducted their practical training thanks to a multilateral PPP.

The partnership involved Essilor International, Essilor Foundation, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology of Kosovo and the academic centre. 

This long-term PPP allowed young opticians in Ferizaj to improve their profiles and qualifications. Opticians received support through a start-up programme to generate self-employment opportunities. Through this programme, new optical shops have been opened in the town and throughout Kosovo. 

Alexis Hoyaux explains, “We got support from businesses in Germany and the UK, but we also empowered the best graduates to go and work in other countries. This is a win-win situation for the beneficiaries.”

These two examples illustrate how the PPP model in TVET creates sustainable development. In Mr Hoyaux’s words: “TVET must serve the economy, and it must serve the people.”

These are two of many projects proving that Public-Private Partnerships may bring positive results. This model is a win-win situation for both parties based on mutual trust and profit, and less risk for the private sector. 

Lessons learnt from Alexis Hoyaux: #bottom-blue-box ul{ list-style: disc; } #bottom-blue-box li:before{ color: white !important; }

• The PPP model in TVET must serve the economy and the people, creating a win-win situation for companies and beneficiaries.
• Training centers shall work closely with companies that will employ the graduates.
• Training centres should have the autonomy for administrative, financial and educational matters.
• Governments need to form partnerships; working with the private sector and with trade unions.

Credit: Videos © Capacity4dev