Finding employment after university graduation can be challenging for many young people in Tunisia. The Tunisia Tertiary Education for Employability Project, known as "Promesse" ("Promise" in French), aims to address this by providing targeted training and aligning skills with employers' needs.
The project supports over 600 innovative Quality Support Programs (PAQs) across Tunisia. These programs focus on aligning training with market demands, improving campus life, fostering research, and modernizing education management.
One such PAQ is the Centre de Carrières et de Certification des Compétences, or "4C," which provides opportunities for students and professors. Sarra, a 23-year-old recent graduate from Tunisia, shared her experience: “I got a job right after my final project presentation. The CEO was there and congratulated me, asking if I could start the next day!” Thanks to a certification program and placement facilitation from a World Bank-supported program, she secured a role at a prestigious company.
Samar, a 26-year-old engineering graduate based in Sfax and TEEP beneficiary, found 4C to be more than just an institution; it was pivotal for her personal and professional growth. Through the center, she obtained essential certifications that enhanced her resume. Her success in a 4C competition led to an internship opportunity at a lab in Leipzig, Germany. “The 4C training I received and the opportunities it unlocked have truly shaped me into the professional I am today,” she said. Her coordinator encouraged her participation in the competition that eventually led her to Germany and helped her secure employment at Telnet.
Another PAQ is the Higher Institute for Technological Studies which partners with industrial giants in sectors like Mechanics, Avionics, and Automotive to develop programs addressing industry demands directly. These PAQs boast nearly 100% employment rates among graduates. They also help graduates earn higher starting salaries and engage with multinational corporations.
A similar program in Sousse has shown success through its master's degree programs in Plastics Processing and Composite Materials, Digital Engineering and Control of Connected Systems, and Industrial Metrology and Quality Control. Known as ISET Sousse, this institute effectively uses work-study internships to connect students with industrial firms resulting in job offers post-graduation.
Imene graduated from ISET Sousse's co-constructed master’s degree program: “Through the program, I completed an internship and was offered a job by the company a few weeks after graduation,” she said.
The Tertiary Education for Employability Project (TEEP), set to conclude on December 31, 2024, has made significant progress toward improving student employability and strengthening higher education management. It has benefited over 22,000 students through certifications, new degree courses, career centers; created over 40 industry-linked degree programs; implemented over 60 graduate tracer studies; launched performance-based funding for five public universities.
In past years graduates faced challenges finding jobs post-university but PAQs through Promesse have coupled education with industry skills enabling different success stories like those of Samar, Sarra, Imene offering brighter futures not only transforming students’ lives but also benefiting private sector industries needing specific updated skills now being met.