Reforming technical and vocational education and training: a gateway for building a skilled youth workforce in the Arab region

United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA)
What is it?

This paper examines technical and vocational training and education (TVET) in the Arab region and discusses its potential for empowering youth and reducing youth unemployment.

To this end, the paper first provides a quantitative analysis of the situation of youth in the region by focusing on demographic trends, education and employment. It then discusses the potential of TVET for empowering youth as well as the challenges facing TVET in the region. The paper provides a brief policy survey and analysis of recently adopted polices in Arab countries and highlights some emerging promising practices. The paper concludes with a brief set of policy recommendations.

HIGHLIGHTS

This paper highlighted the considerable potential of TVET for empowering youth in the region and creating better bridges with the labour market. Significant policy developments and emerging promising practices indicate that countries are gradually recognizing the importance of investing in
TVET to develop skills and prepare youth for a better future. Based on the literature review and the policy analysis presented in this paper, applicable policy recommendations are rendered.