How TVET is contributing to global labour mobility and inclusion

Global labour mobility is not just a trend, but it is here to stay. Even in the most remote parts of a country, labour moves across international borders. The flow of labour from top executives to plantation workers is growing and will continue to do so triggered by demand and supply of skills to address global labour needs. The labour movement is not a Kenyan issue only. Many other nationalities are also moving borders and have done so successfully. For instance, the Turks to Germany have bailed out an economy with a shrinking labour force, while Indians and Filipinos are the key pillars of the Middle East economies as well as contributing significantly to socioeconomic development back home. Unemployment is the major contributor to global labour mobility in search opportunities. The global youth unemployment rate in 2024 was about 13.3 per cent and 3.5 times higher than the adult unemployment rate. In some countries like Morocco, South Africa and Puerto Rico, the unemployment rate was 37.6 per cent, 40.9 per cent, and 42.9 per cent respectively. In the same period, more than one-third of youth in Sub-Sahara Africa were unemployed and lacked sustainable means of living. Although the overall unemployment in Kenya was at 12.7 percent, Youth aged 15 to 34, who form 35 percent of the population, had the highest unemployment rate of 67 percent. Over one million young people enter the labour market annually without any skills, some having either dropped out of school or completed school and not enrolled in any college. The impact on unemployment is profound and it is becoming a global crisis and security threat. In many countries, the gap between available jobs and skilled workers is widening, contributing to higher unemployment and underemployment rates. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of TVET in addressing youth unemployment and fostering economic development as it can address skills gaps in key industries directly. Whether it is in technology, manufacturing, healthcare, or renewable energy, there is a growing need for skilled workers in specialised fields where traditional academic education often fails to keep pace with rapid industry changes. As industries evolve with technological advancements, the demand for specific technical skills increases. Therefore, TVET plays a critical role in offering targeted training that is closely aligned with the immediate and future demands of the labour market. It creates a direct talent pipeline by focusing on industry needs, ensuring the workforce is prepared and adaptable to shifting market trends. It is important to note that TVET is not just an educational pathway but a strategic investment in human capital. By equipping individuals with the skills that industries need, TVET enhances the productivity and employability of the workforce, making it a vital driver of economic growth. From an investment point of view, TVET presents an intriguing cost-benefit analysis. For governments, it is far more cost-effective than traditional academic routes, with quicker returns in the form of higher employment rates and faster integration into the labour market. Countries that have heavily invested in TVET such as Germany, Switzerland and South Korea, experience some of the lowest youth unemployment rates in the world. These nations have embedded TVET within their national strategies, ensuring students graduate immediately with employable skills. The investment in TVET in Kenya by both government and private sector is starting to bear fruits through many youth accessing jobs locally and abroad and this is expected to reduce significantly the current unemployment rate in the country. Job placement after vocational education programmes is consistently high, largely due to the industry-driven nature of the training. Many TVET programmes incorporate apprenticeships, internships, and employer partnerships, giving students real-world experience before graduation. This enhances their employability and creates a smoother transition from education to employment. Additionally, businesses benefit from a job-ready workforce, reducing training costs and increasing productivity from the outset. By matching skills supply with demand, TVET supports more efficient labour market dynamics, contributing to lower unemployment and greater economic stability. Also, one of the most important impacts of TVET is its ability to provide opportunities for disadvantaged groups like women, low-income individuals, and minorities who are the majority of those who are unemployed. By offering accessible training options that are linked to employable skills, it becomes a key driver of social and economic mobility. Over time, these opportunities can profoundly affect income inequality, allowing marginalised groups to break the cycle of poverty and improve their quality of life. Research has shown that TVET graduates in low-income countries experience a 15 per cent higher increase in earnings than those who only receive a general education. In many cases, TVET provides a lifeline for those otherwise excluded from higher education due to financial barriers or geographic limitations. Programmes are often more affordable and flexible, enabling individuals to gain practical skills without incurring significant debt. For women and minorities, who may face additional challenges in accessing education and employment, TVET can open doors to sectors traditionally dominated by other demographics. For instance, women's enrolment in TVET courses related to technology and engineering has been steadily increasing in many countries, contributing to more inclusive labour markets. The author is the Director General of TVETA. E-mail: langat.langat@tveta.go.ke

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