Advancing TVET Reform in Ethiopia: Over 13 Years of STEP Implementation

Over the past decade, Ethiopia’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector has been fundamentally transformed by the Sustainable Training and Education Programme (STEP), which is implemented by GIZ in partnership with the Ethiopian Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Labour and Skills, the European Union, and other stakeholders. STEP’s core aim is to modernize TVET, align it with labor market demands, and foster inclusive economic growth. Since 2013, GOPA has played a key supporting role, contributing to the programme’s success through seven distinct projects.

1. Foundations: Labour Market-Oriented TVET Reform (2013–2014)
The programme began by introducing the German dual training system, setting international standards, and establishing partnerships with German TVET institutions. Early activities included developing cooperative training approaches, implementing a Management Information System, and strengthening in-company training and entrepreneurship, laying the groundwork for a quality-driven TVET system.

2. Building Institutional Capacity (2015–2018)
STEP enhanced TVET institutions through quality management systems, change management, and comprehensive training plans. Management and teaching staff received practical, action-oriented training, while ongoing partnerships with German institutions ensured sustainable improvements, especially at TVETI in Addis Ababa.

3. Expanding Cooperative Training (2019–2021)
As Ethiopia’s economy grew, STEP scaled up cooperative training models and strengthened engineering education, focusing on employability in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, tourism, agro-processing, textiles, and leather. The programme piloted and disseminated cooperative training models, developed Training of Trainers (ToT) packages, standardized in-company trainer certification, and qualified over 150 master trainers and 40 in-company trainers.

4. Digital Transformation and Blended Learning (2022–2024)
STEP responded to the digitalization trend by introducing blended learning formats and digital solutions in key sectors. Six blended learning formats were piloted and accredited, a comprehensive software system was implemented, and more than 300 learners experienced e-assessment. 140 master trainers (33% female) were trained in blended learning, with initiatives to promote female participation in digital education.

5. Cooperative Training and Private Sector Engagement (2022–2024)
STEP expanded employment-oriented training and strengthened private sector involvement, developing cooperative training programmes in automotive, hotel and tourism, electrotechnology, building construction, and agro-processing. The engagement of 250 companies and training of their representatives ensured practical relevance and impact, with best practices documented for national scaling.

6. Female Leadership and Employment Qualification (2022–2024)
STEP placed strong emphasis on gender inclusion and leadership, implementing private sector engagement measures that focused on women’s participation. 800 TVET graduates, jobseekers, and self-employed individuals (400 women) completed labor-market oriented qualification measures, while 140 female stakeholders received leadership and innovation training. Four labor market-oriented qualification measures were institutionalized, and advanced training was provided to TVET teachers and trainers.

7. STEP IV: Cooperative and Short-Term Trainings and Capacity Building Measures (2026–2027)
Building on previous achievements, STEP IV continues to tackle Ethiopia’s labor market challenges. With around 2.2 million new job seekers each year, STEP IV focuses on sustainable, employment-oriented training and deepens collaboration between education institutions and the private sector. The project aims to further enhance the quality and relevance of TVET and engineering education, with a focus on green, digital, and social transformation, as well as entrepreneurial skills.

STEP IV’s objectives include increasing employability of graduates in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, tourism, agro-processing, textiles, and garment; developing and implementing cooperative training models and short-term qualification measures in both formal and informal sectors; and building capacity among TVET system actors, including trainers, institutions, and companies.

The project is structured into five work packages:

• Establishing regional and sectoral implementation structures through stakeholder workshops
• Designing and developing cooperative training packages in four economic sectors
• Implementing cooperative training with company training events and onboarding workshops
• Designing and developing labor market-oriented qualification measures for job seekers and informally employed people, including women and persons with disabilities
• Implementing qualification training measures through onboarding workshops and training events

Key activities include developing modular training programmes, capacity building for companies and trainers, supporting companies in adopting new strategies, improving occupational standards and curricula, promoting gender equality and inclusion, and ensuring robust performance monitoring and reporting.

Cumulative Impact and Outlook
Over more than a decade, STEP—through GIZ’s leadership and GOPA’s contributions across seven projects—has institutionalized cooperative training models, improved quality management and digital processes, established sustainable partnerships, and developed thousands of TVET professionals. The programme has significantly improved graduate employability, promoted gender inclusion and digital innovation, and strengthened private sector engagement. With STEP IV, the focus on digitalization, blended learning, and equity continues, ensuring Ethiopia’s TVET sector remains responsive to labor market demands and supports the country’s ongoing economic and social development.