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then link trainees, apprentices, and graduates to microfinance institutions and provide
them with assistance in the preparation of business plans and loan applications. VST
programmes can also provide start-up grants or packages to help graduates start their
businesses. 38 Examples of areas in which promising opportunities for self-employment
may be likely are recycling, ecotourism and other “green jobs”; product development
and marketing; value chain development; public-private partnerships for recovery and
development; and vocational training. As graduates establish businesses, expand their
businesses, and/or apply for loans or grants, the VST providers can usefully link these
graduates to business development service providers. In some cases, assistance may be
appropriate in order for graduates to become business development service providers
themselves. (See Box 4.7 for an example of entrepreneurial training that is linked to training
with regard to business development services.)
4.1.2 (h) Linkages with related programmes and policy development
Building linkages between VST interventions and other related programmes that are
supported by the government and/or development partners can enhance prospects for
success and sustainability. Programmes for value chain development, for example, can
support the self-employment pursuits of trainees and apprentices by acquainting these
individuals with opportunities and participants throughout the commodity value chain.
Programmes for micro, small, and medium enterprise recovery, including those that are
directed at inclusive financial sector development, will provide opportunities for VST
participants who pursue employment or entrepreneurship in this sector. To facilitate the
transition to employment and income generation, the building of linkages with related
programmes should continue after participants complete their training or apprenticeships.
Employment policies will influence the livelihood opportunities of VST participants, and
in turn can provide critical input for the development of these policies, including those
that focus specifically on the employment of women and youth.
4.1.2 (i) Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) 39
As with all UNDP-supported interventions, VST projects require monitoring and evaluation
(M&E) systems. Before training begins, an M&E framework should set forth the expected
results, indicators (with baselines and indicative targets), planned M&E events and data
collection methods, timing of M&E activities, responsible parties, required resources,
and risks and assumptions. The following are examples of targets for VST interventions:
• 90 percent of graduates are employed or are self-employed six months after training
• 50 percent have increased income three months after leaving training
• 50 percent are actively involved in peace-building activities
Monitoring is essential throughout the VST process so that adjustments can be made as
needed and lessons can be learned. The monitoring process will show whether, to what
extent, and how efficiently the expected results are achieved. Monitoring of a VST project
determines the quality of the training provided, whether participants are attending their
training and making progress with the curriculum, whether training, job placement, and
referrals are effectively leading to employment, and whether graduates achieve sustained
employment and income generation using the skills they obtained. UNDP usually conducts
the M&E exercises for interventions that it supports, though monitoring can be undertaken
jointly with other partners, e.g., government bodies, NGOs, and/or academic institutions,
as long as they are not implementing partners or private sector participants that may
38 Start-up grants and packages are discussed in
detail in the context of livelihoods stabilization in
section 3.2.
39 See Chapter 7 for further information on M&E.
Livelihoods & Economic Recovery in Crisis Situations