On the 10th of January 2017, the Belgian Development Agency launched a call for proposals for the new Continuous Vocational Education and Training (CVET) Fund. CVET includes all forms of education or training after initial education or entry into working life. It is aimed at helping individuals to improve or update their knowledge and/or skills; acquire new skills for a career move or retraining or continue their personal or professional development.  

The call aims  at two different target groups:

1. People who are working in a TVET-related profession in the private sector and who need a skills’ update or upgrade
2. Unemployed young people with prior training and who did not find a job and decided to change their career based on the labour market needs

Two information sessions were held in both Gaza and West Bank to explain the concept of the CVET and the guidelines for applicants. Representatives from TVET Institutions (Vocational Centres, Industrial Schools and Technical colleges) as well as private sector and civil society organisations from various districts (Ramallah, Hebron, Nablus, Jerusalem and Gaza) participated in the workshops. 

The implementation of the selected CVET initiatives is expected to start in April 2017.