ANEP and Swisscontact are committed to implementing a system for the recognition of acquired competences. Employees who prove their practical work experience will be able to take part in the evaluation process and, if they meet the criteria, will have access to competence-based certification.
This system is being made possible thanks to the cooperation between the National Vocational Education Authority (ANEP), the Alberto Cassimo Institute for Vocational Training and Labor Studies (IFPELAC) and the Center for Professional Training in Water and Sanitation (CFPAS), as well as Swisscontact, the Swiss Foundation for Technical Cooperation with their Skills to Build project.On
May 11th 2021, a conference with workshop owners and trainers from vocational training centers was held in Maputo City to start the process of official recognition and accreditation of professional skills.
During the conference, Ida Alvarinho, Director of ANEP's Professional Qualifications Department, stressed that not recognizing and certifying workers with life experience is harmful for citizens who have difficulty qualifying for a formal job, and also for the country that formally cannot count on this labor force.
Régula-Chavez Malgiaritta, Director of Swisscontact Mozambique said that Swisscontact, as an entity of technical cooperation, is honored to be part of this process and to build together this procedure that allows people to be recognized in their skills, progress towards lifelong learning and increase their professional qualification, offering opportunities to obtain a cumulative partial accreditation.
A pilot project has now been launched to validate the procedure and tools and to ensure that the system works on an national level.Initially, the professional skills of 45 workshop owners, working in the areas of plumbing, electricity and welding in the city and province of Maputo will be assessed.
In a first phase, the candidates will go through interviews and evaluations to get their certificates.
The recognition of acquired competences is hoped to benefit many employees without formal qualification.
Zefanias Manuel, for example, a plumber with 5 years of work experience, said that the certification is a dream for him: "I have been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. A certificate proving that I am a qualified plumber will open many job opportunities."
Mr. Alberto, a locksmith for over 30 years says for him the certification will solve issues regarding employability: "I have worked for over 30 years in welding and that is what supports me and my family. The problem is that without a certificate we cannot make 100% profit from our profession, even if we are good at what we do. The certification will allow us to position ourselves in the market like other professionals with professional training in the area."
The Skills to Build project is financed by Christa Foundation, among other donors. As part of the Swisscontact Development Programme, it is co-financed by SDC (Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA).
