China, People's Republic of: Guangxi Modern Technical and Vocational Education and Training Development Program

Education / Technical and vocational education and training

The program builds on the experience of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and other development partners with lending and nonlending operations for TVET, including RBL, in the PRC, and will support the implementation of the GZAR Modern TVET System Development Plan. Lessons have been reflected in the program, including the importance of sustained incremental adjustments and improvements to the existing system based on national and international good practices, rather than introducing new practices in a fragmented manner, and the need for institutional mechanisms to engage industries in TVET. The program is aligned with two of the strategic priorities set out in ADB's country partnership strategy for the PRC, 2016 -2020: supporting inclusive economic growth, and promoting regional cooperation and integration.

The use of the RBL modality is proposed for the program because the wide range of interventions required to establish a modern TVET system needs a clear focus on overall results -increased TVET graduates who entered stable employment in GZAR's industries -and system improvements, rather than a limited number of discrete interventions designed for specific TVET institutions. The program will involve 265 public TVET institutions spread across 14 municipalities of GZAR, which would be difficult if the conventional investment lending modality were used. RBL has the potential to expand the development impact of ADB financing, which accounts for only 2.5% of the total program financing. The GZAR government has strong ownership of the program, and demonstrates deep commitment to results-based planning and management as opportunities for system improvements and institutional capacity development. RBL also provides a platform for development coordination, relying on sector-wide and programmatic approaches. ADB and German development cooperation through KfW will cofinance the program based on a common program results framework, disbursement-linked indicator (DLI) matrix, program action plan (PAP), and program implementation document. Due diligence assessments provide assurance for effective achievement of results through RBL, with measures to strengthen government plans and program systems built into the program design.

ADB''s involvement in the government program will add value by (i) facilitating access to knowledge, expertise, and national and international good practice in quality assurance, industry partnership, and skills and knowledge transfer cooperation between TVET institutions in GZAR and ASEAN countries; (ii) promoting dialogues and partnerships among the government, TVET institutions, enterprises, and industries; and (iii) strengthening the capacity of the government to provide guidance and supervision for TVET institutions. ADB will conduct an impact evaluation study of the key program initiatives on student learning and labor market outcomes, and employer satisfaction, using experimental and quasi-experimental approaches. Findings of the impact evaluation study will be used to improve the government program.

DLI 1: TVET graduates who entered stable employment increased

- By the end of 2020, the percentage of TVET graduates who stayed in the first job for more than 6 months has increased to 52%. 2020 target has been achieved.

Industry relevance of TVET enhanced

Quality of TVET improved

Inclusiveness of TVET increased

Role of TVET in regional economic development expanded

DLI 2: TVET provision based on industry needs improved

- Industry advisory plans to be developed by the industry steering committees. Verification protocol of the industry advisory plans will be developed by the independent verification agency. DLI 2 targets for 2019, 2020, and 2021 are expected to be achieved in 2022.

DLI 3: Competency-based approach in TVET piloted

- A senior technical expert was engaged to support the program management office in the pilot project. 2019 target is likely to be achieved in 2021.

DLI 4: Practical training facilities established in priority industries

- 2020 target is expected to be achieved in 2021.

DLI 5: Model TVET institutions established

- Review and acceptance of self-improvement projects by secondary TVET schools will occur in 2021, and by tertiary TVET colleges will occur in late 2021 or 2022. Therefore, 2020 and 2021 targets are expected to be achieved in 2022.

DLI 6: TVET teachers with industry experience increased

- 2019 target has been achieved.

DLI 7: TVET delivery informed by stronger management information

- All targets have been achieved.

DLI 8: Contribution of TVET to promote regional cooperation and integration enhanced - All targets have been achieved.