NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – The Agricultural and Industrial Training Bureau (AITB) has begun a two-day workshop aimed at strengthening Liberia’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss ways of improving skills development and aligning training programs with industry demands.
By Sampson W. Weah – sampsonwweah7@gmail.com
Held under the theme, “Strengthening Liberia’s TVET System for Inclusive Skills Development, Industry Alignment, and Quality Assurance,” the workshop has attracted administrators, instructors, policymakers, development partners, and representatives of various training institutions across the country.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, AITB Director General Abraham Billy described the gathering as an important step toward building the capacity of Liberia’s TVET sector and ensuring that institutions are better equipped to prepare young people for the workforce.
According to Billy, the workshop is intended to strengthen the knowledge and skills of personnel within TVET institutions while promoting reforms that will improve the quality and relevance of vocational education in Liberia.
“Technical and vocational education remains one of the most effective tools for empowering young people and supporting national development,” he said.
“We must continue to invest in our institutions and ensure that the training being provided reflects the realities of the labor market.”
He noted that many employers are seeking workers with practical and specialized skills, making it necessary for training institutions to adapt their programs to meet current industry needs.
“One of our priorities is to bridge the gap between training institutions and employers,” Billy stated. “When our graduates leave school, they should possess the competencies and skills that industries are looking for. That is how we create opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship.”
The Director General also emphasized the need for stronger quality assurance measures throughout the TVET system, stressing that maintaining high standards is essential to producing competent graduates.
“Quality assurance must be at the center of everything we do. From curriculum development to assessment and certification, we have a responsibility to uphold standards that will build confidence in our TVET institutions,” he said.
Billy further called for greater inclusion within the sector, urging stakeholders to ensure that women, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups have equal access to technical and vocational training opportunities.
“Our goal is to build a TVET system that is accessible to all Liberians. No one should be left behind when it comes to acquiring skills that can improve livelihoods and contribute to national growth,” he added.
Participants are expected to engage in discussions and technical sessions focusing on curriculum improvement, institutional development, industry partnerships, and strategies aimed at enhancing the overall quality of vocational education in Liberia.
Stakeholders attending the workshop expressed optimism that the forum will help identify practical solutions to challenges facing the sector and contribute to the development of a more responsive and effective TVET system.
The workshop forms part of AITB’s ongoing efforts to strengthen workforce development and equip Liberians with the skills needed to compete in an evolving economy.
The two-day event is expected to conclude with recommendations aimed at improving policy implementation, strengthening institutional performance, and fostering closer collaboration between training institutions and industry.
