Project Case Study North Africa

Despite numerous reforms and an extensive network of training centres, the Tunisian government is finding it difficult to get a grip on unemployment, particularly in disadvantaged provinces. The system’s lack of efficiency is due primarily to the fact that vocational education courses are not adapted enough to the economy’s needs, both qualitatively and quantitatively.

Over the nine years of implementation of the Programme for Vocational Education and Training in Tunisia, which is financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the improved employability of young vocational college graduates has been one of its key objectives. The centrepiece of this approach is to create an educational curriculum incorporating hands-on practice, while also imparting soft skills. This should make it easier for graduates to find a job.

Earning recognition of all partners with results

The programme has been able to achieve sustainable results: nearly all public sector institutions involved in vocational education and labour market integration, as well as all employer associations and the private sector, have gotten on board. The educational curricula offered through the programme, therefore, enjoy recognition from all our partners. Efforts to expand and institutionalise the curricula, which ensures their sustainability, have already begun.

Expanded technical and rural trainings

The availability of specialisation trainings for technical professions has been adapted to the needs of companies. It is now certified and recognised by the various sectoral associations. As an example, in the labour-intensive sectors of automotive mechanics and energy generation, nine specialised pieces of training have been developed, resulting in employment for 75% of their beneficiaries.

The training centres and associated agricultural businesses have been upgraded to meet local needs. The programme has launched three promising pilot teaching models at three agricultural training centres.

Internship companies for service jobs

The system of internship companies (known in French locally as “entreprises d’entraînement” or “ee”) is inspired by the Swiss model and adapted to the local Tunisian context. It offers certified, practical on-the-job training in various service professions. The programme comprises eight internship companies that have facilitated 85 percent of certified first-time job applicants’ entry into the labour force. The network of Tunisian internship companies (“Réseau des entreprises d’entraînement de Tunisie”, or ReeT) guiding the system works like a Tunisian central service recognised by the global EUROPEN-PEN International network.

In addition to initiatives supporting technical, agricultural, and service jobs, the programme has developed three courses to train company managers and a series of short-term qualification initiatives in the country’s interior regions.

Ahmed, technical manager in a tyre company

“As a technical manager, I was given the responsibility of directing practical training for instructors who would eventually be working in tyre repairs and steering geometry. It involved services that we provide here at the shop, particularly for mounting and repairing and balancing tyres, and wheel alignment. This specialisation training is the first of its kind in Tunisia. It represents a dream come true, and it greatly facilitates the integration of new employees within our company. Thus, for example, there was this young certified employee whom we had hired a year ago, and within just a few months he became an independent and capable colleague, and he enjoys our full trust.”

Mahmoud, employee at a tyre company

“I completed my training as a mechanic and then applied to get a specialisation in tyre repairs and steering alignment. This gave me a solid foundation in a profession that completely fascinates me. Through the training, I’ve learned how to mount and repair tyres, how to work on tyres without damaging them, and much more. I love everything I’ve gotten in this training: the instructors who were always willing to teach us the principles of this profession, the high-quality equipment on which we trained, and also how important it is to know the technical data of the car or tyre. Since joining the company a year ago, my skills and view of the profession as a whole have evolved. Within four or five months I had become independent and took on sole responsibility for a vehicle, regardless of model. The skills I have acquired during my training have helped me immensely. Today, I develop special relations with clients. I’ve learned to listen to them and solve their problems.”

Mohamed, installer of irrigation systems

“As a passionate farmer with a degree in irrigation systems from the Centre for Agricultural Vocational Education, I began working for a company that sold irrigation systems. But this was a job that didn’t really fit me. The Centre informed me that with Swisscontact’s support I could undergo training as an installer of irrigation systems that would open up new opportunities for me. the training helped me to deepen my skills as it contained a lot of practical hands-on learning and the equipment needed was available. I also completed an introductory course in new technologies such as smart irrigation. After my training, I returned to the company where I had been working previously and set my new abilities to work. I acquired clients, drafted plans for installing networks, and performed this work on-site, but without any salary increases. Therefore, I decided to go at it alone. Despite limited finances, especially for regional trips and marketing myself, I was able to convince farmers in Kairouan and even along the northern coast to entrust me with installing drip irrigation systems on their land. Because I lacked the resources to hire staff, I joined two former classmates who had completed the training as installers with me to complete these projects successfully. In order to win new clients, I set up a Facebook site for my company, contacted companies that sell irrigation systems, and notified the Employment Office that I am performing installation work. Friends, family, and the Centre are helping me to get my name out there.”

Rahma, Marketing Officer

“When I decided to join the internship company called ‘Tree’, immediately after my Masters in Market Research I completed an internship. I learned about the training when I was looking for a job online. The information and opinions I read on Facebook encouraged me to contact the company and register for the course. I do not regret this decision. The training gave me a valuable glimpse into all marketing work. I learned how to make sales analyses, develop marketing strategies and plans, and present these. It wasn’t only about technical tasks: teamwork, exchange of information, respect, coping with stress and conflicts are just as important. What’s more, there was a professional and attentive advisory team available, and they explained how to identify the needs of a company, how to write up a CV or a job application. This training helped me to find a job as a marketing officer. Here I now can implement everything I’ve learned in practice and plan projects for my future.”

Chaker, Manager at an internship company (“entreprise d’entraînement”, or “ee”)

“I started working at an internship company as an advisor. At that time, I didn’t know what it was really about and if the work would suit me. The practical on-the-job training conducted in an environment reflecting the reality of Tunisian firms was a new concept that differed from what I had experienced during my initial education, advanced training, or adult education. For interns, it is not just about completing tasks, but learning how to be independent, how to organise, communicate, and work either within a team or with other departments, or even just to trust one another. Finally, there is the goal of gathering professional experience without feeling anxious about losing your job just because you made a mistake. I quickly realised that it’s about more than just providing technical support to interns: it’s more about relationships and the human aspect. I remember the first time a trained intern called to tell me that he had found a job. I had really helped someone with potential but who did not know how to use it – that was an amazing feeling! Just as with all other interns, I had given him the support, advice, and encouragement he needed to make a good start to his professional life.”

Results

Over the past five years, project activities have created an active network of public institutions, employer associations, and private partners involved in vocational education and employment creation. In addition, three functioning training models have been established. Over 500 private sector companies recruit employees through these platforms. 6,335 people benefited from both long- and short-term vocational training courses. 54 percent of these beneficiaries were women. More than 70 percent have since found jobs.