The Skill Development Project- Asian Development Bank

Action for Development (AfD) embarked on a significant initiative to enhance skill development in Nepal by conducting The Skill Development Project in collaboration with The Nepal Engineering and Technical Science Academy (NETSA) and The Rastriya Prabidhik Sikshya (RPS). This effort was part of The Skill Development Project, which received funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The project spanned from the 2016/17 to 2017/18 fiscal year and covered several districts, including Jhapa, Sunsari, Dhankuta, Kathmandu, Dang, Rukum, and Banke.

At the time of the project's appraisal in 2012, Nepal's technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector faced numerous challenges. The quality of training provided was subpar, and there was a noticeable disconnect between the training offered and the actual needs of the job market. Access to these training opportunities was also inequitable, often leaving out marginalized groups. Moreover, the institutional capacity of the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MOEST) was notably weak. These factors collectively contributed to a short supply of skilled labor, thereby hindering the country's economic growth.

In response to these pressing issues, the Asian Development Bank developed the Skills Development Project. The project aimed to rectify these deficiencies by establishing a market-responsive, socially inclusive, and gender-inclusive TVET system. Given the project's small size and the weak institutional capacities of MOEST and the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT), it was grant-funded. This funding approach was also necessary due to the absence of a robust TVET sector strategy in Nepal at the time.

The project achieved significant milestones in terms of participation and outcomes. Out of the total 3000 participants, AfD successfully trained 1500 individuals in various trades. These trades included Steel Fixture, Tile/Marble Fixer, Scaffolding, Building Painter, Shuttering Carpenter, Construction Worker, and Micro Hydro Assistant. Remarkably, 90% of the participants passed the CTEVT Skill Test, demonstrating the quality and effectiveness of the training provided. Furthermore, the employment rate among the trained participants was an impressive 84%, indicating that the skills acquired were indeed relevant and in demand in the job market.

Overall, the collaboration between AfD, NETSA, RPS, and the ADB under The Skill Development Project made a substantial contribution to enhancing the skill set of Nepal's workforce, thereby supporting economic growth and development in the region.