Trends and Development of Occupational Competency Assessment and Certification in Addis Ababa: Implications for TVET-Industry Partnership

This study aimed to assess the Ethiopian Occupational Competence Assessment and Certification Center (OCACC), considering its mandate to improve the competency level of graduates. A descriptive survey design with a qualitative method was employed. Interview held with leaders and experts of OCACC. Then, interviews were transcribed for analysis, supplemented with field notes and documents. The study investigated occupational standard (OS) perspectives, training standard (TS), and readiness of graduates. The findings showed that a graduate's school-to-work transition (SWT) is constrained by school (supply) and out-of-school (demand) factors. Gaps were observed because of inadequate attention to cooperative training and due to the industry's low awareness and frustration during the CoC assessment. Also, there was a scarcity of experts who developed and validated assessment tools at OCACC. Regarding opportunities, a strategy and participatory system exist. Finally, policy options were forwarded to fill the gap between the existing state and what OCAC strives to be in digitalization, competency development, and TVET-industry partnership.