EAfA Member Spotlight: Don Bosco Tech Africa (DBTA)

In this spotlight article, we speak with Don Bosco Tech Africa (DBTA) to recognise their success of coordinating over 100 technical vocational education and training (TVET) centres across Africa and Madagascar. DBTA aims to empower their Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centres so that they can deliver demand-driven and quality training to marginalised young people. We interviewed Thomas Faber, Program Coordinator at DBTA, to tell us more about how DBTA’s pledge supports EAfA’s goals and their achievements. 

Can you provide a short overview of your pledge and which EAfA objectives it relates to? 

Our pledge supports several EAfA goals and we have partnered with European organisations, such as the European Association of Institutes for Vocational Training (EVBB) to offer high-quality apprenticeships in Europe for African students. We also promote the mobility of apprentices and encourage intercultural exchange, benefiting both Africans and Europeans. 

Through our Job Service Offices (JSO), we collaborate with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Africa to ensure a steady supply of effective apprenticeships. Our JSO manual, which includes best practices, has been adopted by national governments in Africa and shared with European partners. 

We have pledged to play a key role in building capacity and supporting our partners in 34 African countries. We also work with local and regional authorities to promote apprenticeships within the local business environment. 

In which fields does DBTA offer apprenticeships? 

We aim to foster professional development by offering a diverse range of courses tailored to enhance skills and knowledge in various fields. We believe in the power of education to transform lives and empower young people to reach their full potential.  

As such, we offer courses in: 

• solar photovoltaic systems 
• carpentry  
• building and construction 
• electrical installation 
• welding and metal fabrication 
• Plumbing 
• Hair and beauty 
• ICT, and more. 

How did you first hear about EAfA and why did you decide to submit a pledge? 

We heard about EAfA through EU projects and partnerships, such as the Supporting Alliance for African Mobility (SAAM) project. Apprenticeships and dual training are an important pillar to our network, one that needs to be strengthened and developed to reach more of our 45,000 students in Africa. Exchanging best practices with partners in Europe and learning from each other is an important part of that journey.  

How has EAfA membership helped your organisation to facilitate regional collaboration and partnerships across Europe? 

EAfA membership has provided us with the opportunity to connect with European partners who share our goals in vocational training and apprenticeships. This collaboration has enabled us to share knowledge, undertake joint projects and develop best practices that benefit both African and European stakeholders. 

What opportunities has your organisation taken to contribute to EAfA activities? 

By sharing insights from our extensive network of African TVET centres, we have had fruitful discussions on apprenticeship models, especially for developing regions. Our involvement includes sharing best practices and contributing to policy development. 

How have you promoted EAfA membership to your members/partners?   

We have encouraged our network of TVET centres to engage with partners from different regions. DBTA has partnered with stakeholders from the EU in projects involving green skills, capacity building, curriculum development and mobility schemes, involving DBTA member countries such as Benin, Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia, Malawi, Senegal, Ghana, Cameroon, Chad, etc. This often leads to new partnerships and follow-up projects. We are planning a new scholarship and mobility project with one European partner to kick off in 2025. 

Since submitting a pledge, what activities has your organisation undertaken to achieve the EAfA objectives in their pledge? 

Since submitting our pledge, we have strengthened our partnerships with European organisations, creating more opportunities for intercultural exchanges and apprenticeships. Our JSOs have focused on expanding successful apprenticeship models and aligning them with industry demands. 

Do you have any standout stories to share about apprentices who have successfully completed an apprenticeship? 

One example of a standout story is a group of students who took part in an apprenticeship exchange programme to Europe. This opportunity allowed them to receive hands-on training in advanced technologies and work alongside experienced professionals. 

Why should other organisations join EAfA and submit a pledge? 

Joining EAfA gives organisations the opportunity to collaborate with European partners, access innovative practices and drive meaningful change in vocational training. The network fosters partnerships that bridge regional gaps, promote skills mobility and support the development of demand-driven apprenticeship programmes. 

Has DBTA’s story inspired you to learn more about submitting a EAfA pledge? Find out how you can start your journey to becoming a EAfA member on our EAfA membership and pledges webpage.