81317478-Advisory and Technical Support Pool for AEDA II

Algeria's economy has experienced steady growth since 2021, but further diversification is essential to create sustainable employment opportunities, especially for the country's youth. With approximately 43% of Algeria's population under the age of 24, the labour market faces significant challenges in absorbing new entrants and providing viable career prospects. This is particularly true for young women, whose participation in vocational training remains limited, and whose employment rate, at around 17%, is among the lowest globally. To address these issues, the project supports the Algerian vocational education and training (VET) system in strengthening the employability of young people, particularly in promising green and digital sectors such as renewable energy, IT, and refrigeration/air conditioning. The project is implemented in close cooperation with key national stakeholders, including the Ministry of Vocational Education and Training (MFEP), vocational training institutes (INSFP, INFEP), vocational school personnel, and the private sector. The project operates across three strategic action areas: 1. Strengthening cooperation between public VET institutions and the private sector: - Establishment of a digital exchange platform to enhance dialogue and cooperation between vocational institutions, the private sector, and learners. - Capacity development for vocational institute staff to design and implement concrete cooperation mechanisms such as internships and training for in-company instructors. - Strategic and technical advisory services for MFEP and selected institutions to scale and institutionalize cooperation models across various sectors. 2. Improving the quality and labour market orientation of vocational training: - Updating training modules in selected long-term VET programmes through collaboration with excellence centres and enterprises. - Developing short-term upskilling programmes for targeted sectors. - "Training of Trainers" approaches to strengthen teaching staff capacities, including digital learning content. - Advisory support to relevant institutes in improving teacher training systems and conducting tracer studies to assess graduates' labour market integration. 3. Promoting participation in labour-market-oriented training programmes, especially for women: - Development of digital learning modules and support for the implementation of attractive, gender-sensitive training programmes. - Advisory support to MFEP in expanding its digital learning infrastructure, including the establishment of the E-Learning Lab at INSFP El Rahmania as a pilot centre of excellence for ICT and e-learning. - Awareness-raising and career guidance measures to encourage more young women to engage in vocational training. By modernising the vocational training system, strengthening links with the labour market, and promoting inclusive access-particularly for women-the project contributes to enhancing employment prospects for Algerian youth and supporting a more resilient and future-oriented economy.