Well-qualified people are the engine that drives sustainable economic growth and social development. Flexible training and efficient job markets support equal opportunities and social equality when based on the guiding principle of a social and ecological market economy.
 
Against the backdrop of globalisation and technological change, technical and vocational education and training are a vital component of life-long learning. This includes initial and continual training in companies, schools and elsewhere. Training is offered in long-term courses, modular short courses or directly on the job. Although training does often lead to recognised certification, it also enables individuals and companies to advance even without formal recognition.

People’s ability to find jobs and remain employed secures livelihoods and forms the basis for participation in community life. Occupational orientation, career counselling and job place-ment contribute to to matching supply and demand in the labour market. A skilled work force plays an important role in determining whether companies will be able to compete in national and international markets. In addition, the availability of skilled workers makes a country or region more appealing as a location for business and investment. 

Taking economic and social aspects into consideration,GIZ provides support for developing, emerging and transition countries in planning technical and vocational education and training and efficient labour markets.