“Ethiopia Joins WorldSkills International:

A New Era in Vocational Excellence”

 

Ethiopia has taken a significant step forward in enhancing its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector by becoming a member of WorldSkills International (WSI). This milestone, achieved through the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Labor and Skills (MoLS), Federal Technical and Vocational Training Institute (FTVTI) and EASTRIP. This marks the beginning of a transformative journey for Ethiopia’s vocational education landscape. The WSI board officially approved Ethiopia’s membership on April 3, 2024, recognizing the country’s potential to contribute to and benefit from the global skills community.

 

Over the past year, FTVTI and MoLS have worked tirelessly to align Ethiopia’s vocational training standards with international benchmarks. The application process involved a thorough evaluation of Ethiopia’s vocational training systems, infrastructure, and commitment to upholding the standards of WSI. The leadership of H.E Minister Muferihat Kamil, Dr. Biruk Kedir  and Mr. Haftom Gebregziabher has been pivotal in driving this initiative, ensuring that all requirements and criteria set by WSI were meticulously met. Their dedication culminated in Ethiopia’s successful application, paving the way for the country to participate in the prestigious WorldSkills Competition (WSC).

 

As a result of the membership approval, Ethiopia is now preparing to participate in the WSC Lyon, France 2024. Under the FTVTI leadership of  Dr. Biruk Kedir , the official delegate, and Assistant Professor Haftom G. Egizeabiher, the technical delegate of Ethiopia to WSI, the country has selected three occupations for the Lyon WS competition: CNC turning, cabinetmaking, and IT networking. To ensure a strong showing, three respective experts and three competitors have commenced their preparation and rehearsal at the FTVTI campus. This focused training is aimed at honing their skills and ensuring they are ready to compete at the highest level on the global stage.

 

Membership in WSI brings multifaceted benefits that are poised to revolutionize Ethiopia’s TVET sector. These include:

 

Promotion of Skills and Best Practices: WSI membership will enable Ethiopia to benchmark its skills training against global standards, facilitating the adoption of best practices in vocational education. This will enhance the quality of training and ensure that Ethiopian professionals are globally competitive.

 

Enhanced Career Opportunities for Youth: By participating in WSC, Ethiopian youth will have the opportunity to showcase their skills on an international stage, opening doors to numerous career opportunities. This exposure will not only boost their confidence but also provide them with valuable networking opportunities.

 

International Cooperation and Networking: Membership will foster international cooperation, allowing Ethiopia to collaborate with leading training institutes and vocational centers worldwide. This exchange of knowledge and resources will be instrumental in elevating the country’s vocational training programs.

 

Improvement of Training Standards: The adoption of WSI’s training standards and methodologies will ensure that Ethiopian vocational training programs are aligned with global demands. This will involve the integration of innovative teaching methods and the development of a curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with practical skills.

 

Hosting Opportunities: Ethiopia will have the opportunity to host international skills competitions, bringing global attention to its vocational training capabilities. This will not only enhance the country’s reputation but also stimulate local interest in vocational careers.

 

In general, Ethiopia’s membership in WorldSkills International represents a landmark achievement for the country’s vocational education sector. The relentless efforts of FTVTI and MoLS have not only secured a prestigious membership but also laid the foundation for significant advancements in vocational training. As Ethiopia prepares to participate in the WorldSkills Competition in Lyon, the nation stands to benefit immensely from the exposure, expertise, and opportunities that WSI membership entails. This strategic move will undoubtedly play a crucial role in transforming Ethiopia’s TVET sector, driving economic growth, and fostering a skilled workforce ready to meet the challenges of the global market.

 

By embracing the principles of excellence promoted by WSI, Ethiopia is set to elevate its vocational training standards, inspire its youth, and secure a brighter future for its workforce. The journey ahead is promising, and the impact of this membership will be felt across the nation as Ethiopia takes its place on the global stage of vocational excellence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTVTI-WSE (World skills Ethiopia team) conducted a Meeting with WSI Board members

 

Name: From right to left:

1. Alexander Erdmann, WSI Treasurer,2. David Hoey, WSI Chief Executive Officer, 3. Cara McCormack, WSI Executive Assistant to the CEO, 4. San-Quei Lin, WSI Board member – Strategic Development head, 5. Dr. Sahleselassie Teka, FTVTI-EASTRIP coordinator & WSE team leader, 6. Ato Ayalew Sahle, FTVTI -WSE Technical committee member, 7. Dr. H.mariam Nigus, FTVTI -WSE Technical committee member.