Technical and vocational education and training in the water- and solar energy sector
Thriving through Innovative Vocational Education and Training in the Water and Energy Sectors (THRIVE)
The overall objective of the project was to increase the labour market orientation of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in the water and solar energy sectors for young people. The project supported Vocational Training Institutions (VTIs) by providing labour market-oriented education and training in cooperation with public and private enterprises. The project concept emphasised an integrated approach to vocational training that combines skills development with job placement and business development.
THRIVE improved the framework conditions for demand-driven vocational education and training and to strengthen the capacity of both public and private stakeholders in the water and solar energy sectors. This was aligned with market demand and employment prospects for youth. The project addressed all three levels - individual, organisational, and societal - of the capacity development approach. It included advisory services for TEVETA professionals and decision-makers, as well as direct support to six public VTIs located in Lusaka, Luapula, and Southern Provinces.
The project was implemented in collaboration with business associations (such as the Solar Industry Association of Zambia), multi-stakeholder structures (such as the Skills Advisory Group (SAG) for Water Supply and Sanitation (WSS)), and private and public companies. The approach fostered cooperation between public and private actors by linking TVET with employment, including a cooperative vocational training (CVT) model.
The below-average participation of women in vocational training and employment in both sectors will be addressed through gender-sensitive training courses for young women, the appointment of qualified gender focal points in VTIs, and the gender sensitisation of public and private actors. Short courses in solar energy leading to a skills award will be integrated as solar energy modules into craft-level electrician programmes.
PROJECT IS PART OF
