Regional Economic Status analysis study for target geographic regions served by the TVET institutions.   

Country: 

Palestine / West Bank (Hebron, Bethlehem, Jericho and Ramallah).

Date:  

2010- 2011

Client:

Save the Children / Funded by USAID. Implemented by MTC International Development Holding Company, LLC (MTC) USA and General Consulting and Training (GCT) Palestine.

Expertise:

Regional economic analysis, gap analysis, analysis study, workshops, capacity building assessment, action plan, whole center plan.

Study  background:

This study was a part of the (West Bank TVET Project) which was developed in accordance with the Save the Children Federation, MTC International Development Holding Company and General Consulting and training company. The objective of over all the project is to improved quality and relevancy of TVET education of partner institutions, through development of strategic directions and strategic relationships, and cooperation with the private sector in the west bank .

The survey teams for MTC/GCT developed the regional economic status analysis study by reviewing and collecting regional economic status and workforce data on the target geographic regions (South Region, Hebron and Bethlehem, the Central Region, Ramallah and Jericho). This study was able to identify market gaps, economic and industry clusters and private and public sector employment throughout Palestine. And provided an analysis of the regional economic status of four governorates of the West Bank and how this relates to, and/or informs the further development of a range of Technical and Vocational Education and Training Centers and the TVET programs they offer.

The  Study  objective:

• Analysis the regional economic statues at the target areas to identify market gaps, economic and industry clusters and private and public sector employment by reviewing past reports and data.

• Analyze workforce needs arising from the growing potential of new industrial zones by conducting surveys with over 550 employers and ministry officials, small, medium and large employers.

• Analysis of data and identification of growth indicators.

The study conclusions:

There are clear areas where action is needed immediately:

• A national framework for TVET is needed as soon as possible.
• TVET Centers must be better prepared to train the workforce for the growth industries and become more strategic in their development and delivery of courses.
• If the economy continues to grow and political stability is maintained, ongoing expansion will result in a skills shortage as current TVET courses of study and curriculum programs do not address the critical shortages. Other countries turn to skilled labour migration.
• Planned TVET system reform is being out-paced by economic growth and political changes in the region.
• Training methodologies and approaches need to be modified for small business clusters.
• Stronger emphasis and effort needs to be placed on TVET institutions and employers partnering to address all of the issues affecting the workforce, not just training in vocational skills. Employers are definitely interested in employability skills training, not only for the emerging workforce, but the current workforce as well.