Lifelong learning and training: a bridge to the future - Unesco-Unevoc

Initial education and training to ensure re-trainability
Challenges and issues
There is a false notion about the importance and power of administration as opposed to
productive labour. This has consequently lead to higher and better remuneration for administrative
jobs compared to those in technical fields. The result is a conglomeration of highly educated and
skilled individuals whose contribution to productivity is insignificant.
Technical colleges and universities tend to focus on theoretical diplomas and degrees with a
weak link to practice and the demands of the workplace.
TVE teachers/trainers lack the practical experiences often associated to the world of work.
Recommendations
There is a need for the review of curricula and standards of both education and training in
schools, colleges and training institutions to establish appropriate frameworks that favour broadbased
rather than narrow specialization in TVE.
New logistical support and operational information systems should be established.
Inculcate and instil into the youth new value systems for self-employment.
Involve social partners in training e.g. trade unions, employers associations, etc.
Educational and vocational guidance throughout life
Challenges and issues
Today, more people than ever before experience frequent career changes and periods of
unemployment as a result of the changing demands of the work place. It is difficult to predict with
certainty the employment needs of the informal sector which absorbs a major part of the labour
force.
It is also becoming increasingly difficult for young people to choose courses of study and
careers they would like to pursue in their adulthood.
Adults who may have been laid off or retrenched need guidance and support in looking for
new jobs and some time new careers.
Recommendations
There is a need to devise systems and approaches that can assist individuals to identify and
assess their own abilities and potential.
Young people need guidance and counselling in choosing courses for study while in school
and choosing a career later on while most adults need guidance and assistance in looking for
employment or changing careers.
The above services should be expanded beyond the in-school population to include both
employed and unemployed youth and adults out of school.
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