Quality TVET hinges on rigorous, transparent assessment. From 20–22 May 2025, the Skills Initiative for Africa Technical Cooperation (SIFA TC), in partnership with WorldSkills International, WorldSkills Africa and TVETA Zambia, held a landmark capacity-building workshop in Lusaka, Zambia. Hosted at the Lusaka Business & Technical College (LBTC), the event gathered over 20 experts, Chief Experts, and TVET practitioners from across Africa to co-create and refine tools that bridge the gap between national training frameworks and international occupational standards.
The intensive three-day programme was structured around progressive skill-development modules for two occupational tracks—Hairdressing and Plumbing—each underpinned by pre-workshop training plans delivered in April–May 2025. Participants had already engaged in:
- Session 1: Introduction & Orientation (Week of 31 Mar), aligning on ISCED levels, WSOS, and range statements
- Session 2–3: Occupational Standards & Assessment Design, where transversal skills and marking criteria were integrated
- Session 4–5: Test Project & Marking Scheme Development, crafting authentic, valid competition modules
- Session 6: Pre-Workshop Preparation, ensuring readiness for the in-person workshop
Each morning began with skill-specific Test Project design and practical sessions, enabling participants to draft, review, and iterate real-world assessment scenarios. Afternoons focused on assessment implementation—judgement vs. measurement techniques—and real-time feedback coaching.
Structured feedback loops and peer-review exercises ensured that every draft Marking Scheme and Test Project module was subjected to rigorous scrutiny. Chief Experts provided targeted coaching on:
- Aligning Test Projects with WSAIOS weightings
- Applying CIS templates for seamless digital recording
- Validating authenticity and standardization across modules
By workshop’s end, teams had:
Finalized comprehensive Marking Schemes and validated Test Project outlines for both occupations
Developed a cadre of TVET practitioners skilled in co-designing and verifying assessment instruments
Established peer networks for ongoing support and quality assurance
The Lusaka workshop exemplifies SIFA’s commitment to elevating TVET quality through capacity building, dialogue, and hands-on collaboration. As these practitioners return to their home institutions, they carry refined tools and a shared vision: to embed world-class assessment practices in Africa’s skills development ecosystem.
Learn more about SIFA’s work at aspyee.org and follow @WorldSkillsAfrica for updates on upcoming workshops and resources.
