Targeted Programs Match Higher Education Graduates with Quality Jobs
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Loading... - Brian Clarke
- 13 Dec 2024
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Finding a job after graduating from university can be daunting for many young people in Tunisia. However, the Tunisia Tertiary Education for Employability Project, also known as “Promesse” (“Promise” in French), is making strides in addressing this challenge by providing targeted training and aligning graduates' skills with employers’ needs.
The Promesse project supports over 600 innovative Quality Support Programs (PAQs) across Tunisia, focusing on aligning training with market demands, improving campus life, fostering research, and modernizing education management. These initiatives aim to bridge the gap between education and employment, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to enter the workforce.
One notable PAQ is the Centre de Carrières et de Certification des Compétences, or “4C.” This center has been instrumental in providing opportunities for thousands of students and professors.
Sarra, a 23-year-old recent graduate, shared her success story: “I got a job right after my final project presentation. The CEO was there and congratulated me, asking if I could start the next day!” Thanks to a certification program and placement facilitation from a World Bank-supported initiative, she successfully transitioned her bachelor’s degree in Machining and Computer-Aided Manufacturing into a role at a prestigious company.
For Samar, a 26-year-old engineering graduate and TEEP beneficiary based in Sfax, 4C was more than just an institution; it was a gateway to personal and professional growth. Through the center, she obtained essential certifications that significantly enhanced her resume. Her success in a 4C competition led to an internship opportunity at a lab in Leipzig, Germany. “The 4C training I received and the opportunities it unlocked have truly shaped me into the professional I am today,” she said, crediting her coordinator for encouraging her to pursue the competition that opened doors to her career.
Another PAQ, the Higher Institute for Technological Studies, collaborates with industrial giants in key sectors such as Mechanics, Avionics, and Automotive to develop programs that directly address industry demands. These partnerships have resulted in nearly 100% employment rates among graduates. Beyond job placement, these programs help graduates secure higher starting salaries and opportunities to engage with multinational corporations.
In Sousse, the ISET Sousse institute has also demonstrated remarkable success through its three master's degree programs in Plastics Processing and Composite Materials, Digital Engineering and Control of Connected Systems, and Industrial Metrology and Quality Control. By leveraging work-study internships, ISET Sousse has strengthened students' connections with industrial firms, resulting in job opportunities for nearly all graduates. Imene, a graduate from ISET Sousse's co-constructed master’s degree program, echoed Sarra’s experience: “Through the program, I completed an internship and was offered a job by the company a few weeks after graduation.”
The Tertiary Education for Employability Project (TEEP), set to close on December 31, 2024, has made substantial progress toward its goals of improving employability for tertiary education students and strengthening higher education management. The project has benefited over 22,000 students through certifications, new degree courses, and career and certification centers. Key achievements include the creation of over 40 industry-linked degree programs, the implementation of over 60 graduate tracer studies, and the launch of performance-based funding for five public universities.
While graduates in Tunisia have faced numerous challenges in securing employment in the past, the PAQs through the Promesse program have successfully coupled education with industry skills and experience. This initiative has enabled students like Samar, Sarra, and Imene to forge successful career paths and provides a brighter future for many. These collaborative efforts have been transformative, not only for the students' lives but also for the private sector, which now finds the specific and updated skills it needs in the workforce. As Tunisia continues to invest in education and employability, the future looks promising for its young graduates.
