Cadena is pleased to announce the completion of two TVET projects in Ethiopia. Despite the current challenges with the Covid-19 pandemic, our teams managed to convert their work to “home-based” and applied the necessary Online Conference Tools to successfully complete the assignments.

First, the Pilot of Apprenticeships for Urban Youth in Addis Ababa under the planned Urban Safety Net and Jobs Project (USNJP) funded by the World Bank. The overall objective of the Apprenticeship Program is to foster urban youth employment by providing a general orientation to the ‘world of work’ through (first) work experience in a firm, soft skills training, peer meetings and job search training. Apprentices will consequently develop employability skills by enhancing their technical -, soft- and job search skills. When apprentices finish the Apprenticeship Program they will also have a better understanding of employer expectations as well as a better understanding of themselves in terms of personal capability and attitude. This way the Apprenticeship Program aims to foster the self-confidence of the beneficiaries in their search for a job. Cadena was responsible for the development of the framework and manual for the implementation of the apprenticeship pilot, taking into consideration: student and firm registration, selection, training, monitoring, evaluation and certification.

Second, Cadena has produced four Case Studies on SINCE Programme under the Stemming Irregular Migration in Northern and Central Ethiopia project funded by the European Union. Each case study had a particular focus: (i) the creation of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) among TVET institution, PES and private enterprises, (ii) the strengthening of Public Employment Services (PES), (iii) the promotion of Decent Work within the private sectors, (iv) the promotion of Apprenticeship schemes.

These four case studies have resulted in an overview of achievements by SINCE financed projects as well as lessons learnt in the area of (i) policy framework, (ii) project environment, (iii) design, (iv) impact, and (v) sustainability and replication. The case study reports also offer recommendations for policy makers and the community of practice concerning (i) policy strengthening, (ii) design of new initiatives replicating the promotion of wage employment, and (iii) partnerships between complementary actors.