The International Labour Organization (ILO) and Syria’s Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour concluded a national workshop in Damascus aimed at strengthening the governance of the country’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system. The event brought together government ministries, employers’ and workers’ organizations, national institutions, and international partners to improve coordination and align vocational training with labour market demands.
The workshop supported Syria’s National Strategy 2026–2028, which prioritizes social protection, economic empowerment, decent work, women’s empowerment, reintegration of returnees, and digital transformation. Participants emphasized that modernizing the TVET system is essential for expanding employment opportunities, enhancing workforce skills, and supporting national recovery.
Over two days, stakeholders reviewed the current TVET landscape, examined international best practices, identified governance challenges, and discussed mechanisms to improve institutional coordination. Discussions focused on linking vocational education outcomes with labour market needs through stronger planning, quality assurance, accreditation systems, and sector-specific advisory committees.
The workshop concluded with agreement on developing a unified national TVET governance framework based on collaboration among government institutions, employers, workers, and development partners. Participants also recommended establishing an inclusive national coordinating body, supported by a technical secretariat and specialized committees, to oversee planning, labour market analysis, quality standards, and data management.
Additional priorities include creating a national information system for evidence-based decision-making, strengthening partnerships with the private sector, clearly defining institutional responsibilities, and ensuring vocational education equips learners with skills that match current and future labour market demands. The initiative aims to build a more effective, sustainable, and employment-oriented TVET system that contributes to Syria’s long-term economic recovery and decent work opportunities.
