Advancing TVET through industry partnerships and innovation
Event: BILT Bridging Event
Date: 19–21 May 2026
Venue: Coastlands Umhlanga Hotel and Convention Centre, Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Partners:
- Durban University of Technology (DUT)
- JET Education Services
- UNISA (University of South Africa)
JET Education Services was first appointed as a UNEVOC Centre in October 2013. The UNEVOC Network is an exclusive global platform for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). JET renewed its membership in the UNEVOC Network for the 2024-2027 period, highlighting our ongoing dedication to improving TVET systems worldwide, fostering impactful education and training opportunities for all.
Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) systems are adapting to fast changing labour market demands, new technologies and evolving qualification frameworks. Across Africa, this transformation is gaining momentum as countries reform TVET programmes, strengthen industry engagement and integrate digital and green skills into training pathways.
The UNESCO-UNEVOC BILT Bridging Event on advancing TVET through industry partnerships and innovation brings these priorities into focus. Taking place from 19 to 21 May in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, the conference gathers global and regional stakeholders to explore how sustainable industry partnerships can drive high-quality, work-based and innovation-led TVET programmes.
Building partnerships with industry
Participants will gain practical insights into how to design, deliver and scale work-based and innovation-driven TVET programmes in close partnership with industry. The event offers opportunities to exchange experiences, learn from peers across regions and explore innovative approaches to training—from micro-credentials to AI-enabled learning.
It also connects these discussions to broader continental and global priorities, including the African Continental TVET Strategy 2025–2034 and the UNESCO strategy for TVET 2022–2029.
Key objectives
- Provide a platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange.
- Examine enabling conditions for sustainable TVET-industry partnerships.
- Facilitate cross regional peer learning on effective models for co-designing, delivering and scaling programmes with employers.
- Showcase innovative practices, including micro-credential pathways, AI enabled teaching, learning and assessment, and new industry partnership models.
- Strengthen collaboration among UNEVOC Centres and enhance cooperation with employers, regulators, social partners, digital ecosystem partners and international organizations.
- Produce a discussion paper with insights, case studies and recommendations for innovative TVET programme design and delivery in collaboration with industry.
Towards a global TVET agenda
BILT Bridging Events are part of UNESCO-UNEVOC’s Innovation and Excellence in TVET project, contributing to the initiative 'Towards a global TVET agenda’ (TGTA). This multilateral initiative is led by the German Federal Ministry for Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMBFSFJ) and coordinated by the German Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB).
Resources
- Concept note
- Agenda
- Conference programme
- Logistical note for on-site participants
