A Rwandan delegation led by the State Minister for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Albert Nsengiyumva, is currently on a working visit to Germany where it is exploring potential partnerships between Rwanda and several German private companies.Nsengiyumva was accompanied by Rwanda’s ambassador to Germany, Christine Nkulikiyinka and the Vice-Principal of the Integrated Polytechnic Regional Centre, Ephrem Musonera.With the support of DGD, one of the German organisations involved with TVET development in Rwanda, the delegation this week held a two-day strategic partnership building meeting and conducted site visits to several companies and TVET schools in Hesse, Germany, according to the minister."We discussed the possibility of availing master trainers from the industry to conduct (TVET) training of trainers in Rwanda and facilitate access to innovative technologies for Rwandan TVET schools,” Nsengiyumva said via email.The private companies include Pharmaserv, Schneider Optical Machines, Viessmann, Hettich, FingerHaus, BOSCH, Wuerth and WEG. The firms are mainly in the domains of construction, electronics, logistics, nanotechnology and energy among others."The purpose of the meeting was to establish partnerships with the private companies in vocational and technical training,” he said.The next step, the minister said, is for the Germany private companies and TVET schools to visit Rwanda for further discussions on how to support TVET and SMEs development in the country.Some of the companies that participated in the meeting are already involved with skills development, particularly through supporting Rubengera Technical SS in Karongi District.The school provides training in wood technology and carpentry and is planning to become a centre of excellence in training of trainers and facilitating the establishment of SMEs. The government sees TVET as a catalyst for socio-economic development as this form of education provides learners with hands-on skills relevant in the job market.