Exploring the Drivers of Youth Pursuing Vocational Training in High-Paying Sectors in Côte d’Ivoire

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - Education and skills are critical determinants of earning potential, with sector specialization significantly influencing earnings. The study focuses on vocational training in high-paying sectors, specifically information and communications technology (ICT) and energy in Côte d'Ivoire [4][10] - A majority of individuals seeking vocational training aspire to enter high-paying sectors, with 72% of men and 51% of women expressing interest in ICT or energy [4][13] - Higher levels of education and larger professional networks positively correlate with the likelihood of selecting training in these high-paying sectors [4][13] - Women benefit significantly from male role models, which increase their likelihood of choosing training in ICT or energy, while traditional gender roles can hinder their participation [4][13][15] Summary by Sections Introduction - The report highlights the importance of skills in economic transformation, emphasizing the shift from low-productivity activities to higher productivity occupations [10] - It notes the significant dropout rates in secondary education in Côte d'Ivoire, with only 55% enrollment compared to 93% in primary education [10] Labor Market Context - As of 2023, the female labor force participation rate in Côte d'Ivoire is 56.5%, compared to 72.2% for males, indicating persistent gender disparities [16] - The report discusses the high incidence of vulnerable employment, with 80.8% of employed women engaged in informal work [16] Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) - Only 5% of secondary education students are enrolled in vocational programs, and just 2% of 15-24-year-olds participated in TVET in 2018 [17][18] - The report identifies the need for improved quality in TVET, including updated curricula and better alignment with industry requirements [18] PRO-Jeunes Program - The PRO-Jeunes program targets youth aged 15 to 30, providing flexible employment support services and vocational training in high-paying sectors [19][24] - Among participants, 72% of men and 51% of women chose training in energy and ICT [25] Data and Sample Description - The study is based on surveys conducted with 2,528 individuals seeking vocational training, focusing on socio-demographic characteristics, education, employment, networks, role models, and gender attitudes [27][40] - The sample is balanced in terms of gender, but women generally have lower education levels and income compared to men [42][43] Key Findings - An additional year of education increases the likelihood of seeking training in ICT and energy by 3.2 percentage points for women and 4.4 percentage points for men [13] - Women with prior training in EICT sectors are more likely to pursue further training, indicating path dependency [13] - Traditional gender roles negatively impact women's choices in high-paying sector training, with those prioritizing household responsibilities less likely to opt for such training [13][15]