Aligning Technical and Vocational Education and Training Curricula with Labour Market Demands: An Assessment of Contemporary Relevance

Abstract

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) systems play a central role in addressing youth unemployment, skills mismatches, and economic competitiveness. However, concerns persist about the alignment of TVET curricula with evolving labour market demands. This study assesses the relevance of contemporary TVET curricula using a qualitative desktop research design, drawing on policy documents, labour reports, and peer-reviewed studies from 2021 to 2024. The analysis examines curriculum responsiveness, employer engagement, integration of digital and transversal skills, and work-based learning. Findings indicate that, although competency-based curricula are increasingly adopted, gaps remain in employer participation, rapid curriculum updating, and embedding transversal and digital competencies. Labour market relevance is further constrained by weak feedback mechanisms between institutions and industry and uneven sectoral capacity. The study contributes to the literature by synthesising recent global evidence and proposing practical approaches to strengthen TVET-labour market alignment. Implications include the need for institutionalised employer partnerships, continuous integration of labour market intelligence, and adaptive curriculum governance. These measures aim to enhance graduate employability and ensure that TVET systems remain responsive to the dynamic requirements of modern economies.