Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is playing an important role in reshaping employment patterns across the country, particularly in key economic sectors.
By bridging skills gaps, TVET has enhanced the employability of its graduates.
A recent 2023 Tracer Survey on TVET Graduates’ Employability and Employer Satisfaction revealed that over 70% of TVET graduates from Level 1 to Level 5, spanning from 2018-2019 (21,534 graduates) to 2020-2021 (24,748 graduates), secured employment within six months after graduation.
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In an interview with The New Times, Paul Umukunzi, Director General of the Rwanda TVET Board, highlighted how TVET is driving change in critical sectors of the economy.
Agriculture
Umukunzi emphasised that TVET programs have introduced modern farming techniques and technologies, which have boosted productivity and efficiency in agriculture.
"Students, through their innovations, have developed projects like an application that detects soil humidity and water content,” he said.
He added that training in agricultural entrepreneurship has spurred the growth of agribusinesses, created jobs and stimulated economic growth in rural areas.
"Many TVET graduates who pursued agriculture programs end up establishing agribusinesses, attracting more youth to the agricultural sector,” he noted.
Construction
The construction industry has also seen significant contributions from TVET. Umukunzi pointed out that TVET institutions offer specialised training programs in construction, leading to a skilled workforce capable of handling complex projects.
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"Some TVET graduates have started their own construction companies, competing for tenders, while others have been employed by major construction firms, reducing youth unemployment,” he added.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Umukunzi remarked on the development of a technologically skilled workforce through TVET programs in ICT, covering areas like software development, networking, telecommunications, multimedia, and various IT services.
For example, students from the Rwanda Coding Academy are involved in public projects, developing systems and software for public service delivery.
"The skills acquired through TVET have fueled the growth of tech startups and IT-related businesses, fostering innovation and digital entrepreneurship,” Umukunzi noted.
Hospitality and tourism
With Rwanda emerging as a hub for tourism and hospitality, TVET is contributing by producing a pool of qualified employees in this sector.
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Programs in tourism, culinary arts, food and beverage services, and event management are helping to meet the demands of this booming industry, which offers numerous employment opportunities for Rwandan youth.
Umukunzi also said that other sectors are being transformed by TVET graduates, including energy, manufacturing, beauty and aesthetics, and even the music industry.
He emphasised that TVET curricula are regularly revised in collaboration with employers and industry experts to keep pace with technological advancements.
"Before developing new curricula, we conduct labor market surveys to identify the skills needed and ensure that emerging technologies are integrated into our content,” he said.
Challenges and future plans
However, Umukunzi acknowledged that the rapid pace of global technological advancement poses challenges.
"Keeping up requires substantial investment in modern infrastructure, equipment, and highly qualified teaching staff, all of which are costly,” he said.
The government is committed to investing in these areas and continually building the capacity of trainers, but it remains a work in progress.
To address these challenges, a proposal is being developed for a National Fund for Skills Development to supplement the government’s budget for TVET.
This fund would be used to acquire more equipment and tools for teaching and learning. Additionally, Umukunzi said that there are ongoing mobilisation efforts to secure support from TVET development partners.
"We have hired experts from abroad to assist our local trainers in specific trades where there are skill gaps,” he noted.
Moreover, in collaboration with various stakeholders, a project is underway to establish at least one TVET center of excellence in every district. These centers will be equipped with cutting-edge technologies and will not only produce a highly qualified workforce but also serve as innovation hubs, contributing to national economic transformation.
Umukunzi stressed the importance of building a TVET system capable of supporting Rwanda’s transition to a high-income country, in line with Vision 2050.
He called for regular assessments of TVET's impact on unemployment, economic development, and social outcomes, with strategies and programs adjusted accordingly to enhance effectiveness.
He also advocated for fostering a culture of entrepreneurship by integrating business management and innovation training into TVET programs.
"This will empower graduates to start their own businesses, creating new job opportunities and contributing to economic growth,” he said.