In the heart of North Africa, Tunisia made significant strides in youth workforce development (YWFD) through the USAID-funded Jobs, Opportunities, and Business Success (JOBS) Activity. YouthPower2: Learning and Evaluation (YP2LE) conducted research to develop three case studies of successful YWFD reforms in which the government was a critical system actor and reforms were scaled and sustainable. The JOBS activity implemented by Chemonics International was selected as one of the case studies. Wided Hasnaoui, Research Coordinator for the YP2LE Tunisia-based research team, recently recounted JOBS’ transformative efforts to foster government ownership and integrate YWFD reforms. Our research found the activity’s focus on engaging government entities as key partners, alongside the involvement of private sector actors, community-based organizations, families, and youth, offered a comprehensive approach to addressing the multifaceted challenges of youth employment.
JOBS aimed to bridge the gap between education and employment in Tunisia, a country grappling with high youth unemployment rates. The activity’s primary objective was to enhance the employability of youth by aligning educational curricula with the needs of the labor market. This intervention involved a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and various private sector stakeholders.
One of the key components of JOBS was curriculum reform and skills training. The initiative focused on updating educational programs to match the evolving demands of the labor market. The update included integrating soft skills training into vocational education curricula, a move driven by feedback from the private sector and highlighting the importance of these skills. JOBS has successfully digitized 14 courses across four sectors: agriculture, electromechanics, textiles, and tourism. This digital transformation allows youth to spend more time gaining practical experience in the workplace.
Another significant achievement the case study highlights about JOBS was the development of a digital platform dedicated to internships. This platform has facilitated over 3,000 internships, providing youth with valuable work experience and bridging the gap between education and employment. The platform is inclusive, catering to both higher education and vocational training students, and extends its reach to underserved regions where access to internship opportunities is limited.
“The majority [of underserved youth] do not have access to expensive programs, to pay for private universities or private TVET programs,” says Wided. “The majority don’t have this privilege to have access to the Internet… to always have access to the Internet. We have, in a big part of the underserved regions, youth who don’t have access to transportation. They are living far away. They don’t have access to the good programs that are leading to employment.”
The initiative also emphasized the importance of private sector involvement in curriculum development. By involving industry experts in the design and implementation of educational programs, JOBS ensured that the skills taught were relevant and up-to-date. Regular career days and job fairs were organized to connect youth with potential employers, fostering a stronger relationship between the education system and the labor market.
The success of the JOBS activity is underpinned by strong line ministry support. The Ministries of Employment and Higher Education played a crucial role in leading and scaling the reforms. This government ownership encourages the sustainability and scalability of the programs.
Despite its successes, JOBS faces several challenges. One of the primary issues is the bureaucratic and structural barriers that slow down the implementation of reforms. To address this, the initiative adopted a pilot-and-scale approach, starting with small, manageable projects that can be scaled up once proven successful.
Another significant challenge is ensuring equitable access to opportunities. Many youth in underserved regions lack access to quality education, internet connectivity, and transportation. The JOBS activity tackled this by providing digital learning resources and facilitating remote internships, thereby extending opportunities to those who are geographically and economically disadvantaged.
The impact of JOBS is evident in the success stories of the youth it has supported. For instance, the digital internship platform has enabled students from remote areas to secure internships that were previously inaccessible. Testimonials from these students highlight the transformative effect of the program on their career prospects. Moreover, the integration of soft skills into vocational training has been a game-changer. Employers have reported a noticeable improvement in the employability of graduates, attributing this to the enhanced focus on skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
The JOBS activity in Tunisia serves as one potential model for effective youth workforce development programming. By fostering government ownership, engaging the private sector, and addressing the real-life needs of youth, the activity has created a robust framework for sustainable employment solutions. We hope our soon-to-be published findings will inspire other implementers to adopt similar strategies, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity in tackling youth unemployment.
As Tunisia continues to navigate its economic and political challenges, JOBS stands as an example of progress, demonstrating that with the right support and strategic partnerships, change is possible. The journey of the JOBS Activity underscores the critical role of education and skills development in shaping the future of Tunisia’s youth and, by extension, the nation’s economic prosperity.