Downloads

Project Proposal

Scaling Equitable Vocational Education through a Competency-Based, AI-Supported Learning Ecosystem

Applicant

SUSS Global (Iceland)
Project: Innovative Vocational and Technical Training System (IVTTS)

1. Executive Summary

The Innovative Vocational and Technical Training System (IVTTS) is a scalable vocational education model integrating online theoretical instruction, workplace-based practical training, and competency-based assessment. The system addresses persistent gaps in access, quality, and labor-market alignment by decoupling learning from age, location, and institutional infrastructure.

This proposal seeks funding to pilot, validate, and scale IVTTS through public–private partnerships (PPPs), demonstrating its effectiveness, cost efficiency, and policy relevance across diverse contexts.

2. Problem Statement

Despite significant public investment, vocational and technical education systems face systemic challenges:

• Limited access for rural, adult, and marginalized learners
• High infrastructure and operational costs
• Weak alignment between training outcomes and labor market needs
• Low adaptability to technological change and lifelong learning demands

These challenges undermine workforce readiness and economic resilience, particularly in rapidly evolving labor markets.

3. Project Objectives

Primary Objective

To pilot and scale an inclusive, competency-based vocational education model that improves access, relevance, and efficiency through digital and workplace-based learning.

Specific Objectives

1. Establish IVTTS pilot programs in selected vocational sectors
2. Validate competency-based digital assessment and certification
3. Demonstrate improved learner progression and employment outcomes
4. Develop a scalable PPP framework for national and regional adoption

4. Project Description and Innovation

Core Components

1. Digital Theoretical Instruction

• Asynchronous online learning (e-books, recorded lessons, curated      content)
• Live and hybrid instruction with multilingual and accessibility      support

2. Workplace-Based Practical Training

• Formal partnerships with employers, workshops, and laboratories
• Learners acquire competencies in authentic work environments

3. Competency-Based Assessment

• Criterion-referenced, pass / not-pass evaluations
• Digital tracking of mastery and progression

4. AI-Supported Personalization

• Adaptive learning pathways
• Early identification of learners requiring additional support

5. Public–Private Partnership (PPP) Model

Public Sector Role

• Policy alignment and accreditation support
• Targeted funding for pilot implementation
• Integration with national qualification frameworks

Private Sector Role

• Provision of workplace training environments
• Co-development of competency standards
• Potential co-funding and employment pathways

Civil Society / Development Partners

• Equity monitoring and inclusion support
• Independent evaluation and dissemination

6. Target Groups

• Youth transitioning from general education to vocational pathways
• Adults seeking reskilling or upskilling
• Learners in rural or underserved regions
• Employers seeking workforce-aligned training solutions

7. Expected Outcomes and Impact

Educational Outcomes

• Increased access to vocational education
• Reduced dropout rates through personalized pacing
• Transparent, competency-based certification

Economic Outcomes

• Faster transition from training to employment
• Reduced skills mismatch
• Lower public cost per learner compared to traditional models

Social Impact

• Greater equity across age, gender, and socioeconomic status
• Recognition of lifelong learning as a formal pathway

8. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)

Key Indicators

• Enrollment and completion rates
• Competency attainment timelines
• Employment or progression outcomes
• Cost per learner

Evaluation Methods

• Baseline and endline data collection
• Learner and employer surveys
• Independent external evaluation

9. Sustainability and Scalability

IVTTS is designed for long-term sustainability through:

• Platform-based revenue (advertising, tools, content services)
• Reduced reliance on physical infrastructure
• Modular scaling across sectors and regions

Public funding is leveraged primarily for initial pilots and system validation, after which operating costs decline significantly.

10. Risk Analysis and Mitigation

Risk

Mitigation

Employer engagement variability

Incentivized partnerships and clear value proposition

Digital access gaps

Hybrid delivery and localized support centers

Regulatory barriers

Early alignment with accreditation bodies

Data privacy concerns

Compliance with GDPR and international standards

11. Alignment with Donor and Policy Priorities

• SDG 4 – Inclusive, equitable quality education
• SDG 8 – Decent work and economic growth
• OECD Skills Strategy
• National vocational education reform agendas

12. Indicative Budget Structure (High-level)

• Platform development and localization
• Pilot implementation and coordination
• Monitoring and evaluation
• Capacity building for partners

(Detailed budget available upon request)

13. Conclusion

IVTTS represents a cost-effective, future-oriented solution to vocational education challenges. By leveraging digital learning, workplace partnerships, and competency-based certification, the system enables governments and partners to expand access while improving relevance and sustainability.

SUSS Global seeks funding partners to pilot, evaluate, and scale this model in collaboration with public and private stakeholders.

Hrafnkell Tryggvason

Suss Global HQ ehf

Fifusel 14

109 Reykjavik

Iceland

Phone: +354 551 4515

Mobile & WhatsApp: +354 856 9452

HrafnkellTryggvason@suss.global

www.Suss.Global 

Top of Form

Bottom of Form