Technical And Vocational Education And Training Institutions-Industry Relationship For Ethiopia's Labor Market Needs

Abstract

Collaboration between industries and TVET institutions serves a vital purpose for both. The fact that industries can use TVET institutions' output as an input is convenient. A significant amount of research conducted to date has focused on cooperative training or apprenticeship attachments which emphasize technical training provided in industries facilities and resources instead of establishing an extensive and complete collaborative relationship in which both parties benefited from the link between them. An exploratory research design based in a literature review has been employed for this study. The research's primary objective is to pinpoint the most important packages for collaboration, as well as the hindrances and strategies for improving the relationship between TVET institutions and the industries. In this regard, the main initiatives that both sides undertake jointly for their mutual benefit are the elements that deeply integrate TVET Institutions and Industries. These are Technical Skill Development, conducting a Labor Market Demand Assessment, building technology Capacity, collaborative TVET Research, sharing of technical and expertise from industry, Industry's supply of placement possibilities for TVET graduates, Entrepreneurial Skill Development for SMEs, and Externship programs for TVET Teachers. Regarding the linkage's challenges, one of the primary barriers to industry-TVET collaboration, particularly in Ethiopia is the former's lack of effort and the latter's inadequate responses. This suggests that TVET institutions are not adapting to the demands of the labour market, which will lead to a mismatch in skill sets. The government's viable policy and strategy are essential for improving the relationships between TVET institutions and industries. TVET institutions ought to base all of their training on the needs of the labour market and conduct regular assessments of that demand.