By Lewis Msasa, contributor:
The International Labour organisation (ILO) has called for collaboration and social dialogues among stakeholders in delivery of quality apprenticeship as a way of promoting decent work and learning opportunities for enhanced productivity in enterprises.
ILO National Programme Coordinator Patrick Makondesa said quality apprenticeships based on social dialogue supported by a vibrant regulatory framework could contribute to lowering youth unemployment rates, reducing skills mismatch and enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of enterprises.
He was speaking in Mangochi on Thursday at the end of a three-day stakeholder awareness meeting on ILO Quality Apprenticeships Recommendation, 2023 (R208).
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“Malawi Apprenticeship programme is not far from what is stated in ILO R208. However, there is need for review of the current system in order to assess what is working for the country and determine what could be adopted from the recommendation to improve delivery of quality apprenticeship,” Makondesa said.
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Pretoria-based ILO Skills and Life-long Specialist Alice Vozza who co-facilitated the meeting said there is need for more awareness raising at all levels to improve image and attractiveness of quality apprenticeship by highlighting success stories, among others.
Employers Consultative Association of Malawi (Ecam) Communications and Projects Officer Ellen Ziwoya called for continuous social dialogue through various forums to facilitate policy change and foster collaboration.
“There is need for support towards Ecam’s business agenda on the prioritised skills development for youth employment. Employers should understand apprenticeship as a culture one has to pass through to attain relevant skill on the job,” Ziwoya said.
Technical, Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education and Training Authority (Teveta) Director of Training and Programmes Modesto Gomani said the meeting had come at the right time when his organization was spearheading the review of the apprenticeship programme.
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Meanwhile, ILO Assistant Director General Mia Seppo has urged member countries to come up with action plans and report back to ILO on how they are implementing R208 on quality apprenticeships.
Speaking through video link on Thursday at the end of the Skills Fair which was held in Turin, Italy, Mia stressed the need to recognise the importance of specific guidance on financing of apprenticeship programmes in order to set the right incentives and ensure that it is delivered in a manner that leaves no one behind.
The meeting in Mangochi brought together representatives from ECAM, Malawi Congress of Trade Unions, Teveta, Ministry of Labour, ILO Malawi office among others. Participants also had an opportunity to join virtually the Skills Fair during which member countries deliberated on R208 and shared experiences regarding the delivery of quality apprenticeships in their respective countries.
The recommendation concerning quality Apprenticeship was adopted at the 111st ILO session in Geneva, Switzerland on June, 16, 2023. According to ILO, the recommendation reflects a strong commitment to take effective measures to prevent and eliminate exploitation, discrimination, violence and harassment against apprentices and to provide adequate and effective remedied.
