BILT Expert Group on building and construction: Tackling global challenges through TVET innovation

In today's rapidly changing world, TVET plays a pivotal role in equipping individuals with the skills and competencies to learn, work and live. However, the evolving industry landscape, marked by technological advancements, environmental sustainability imperatives and demographic shifts, calls for a re-evaluation of TVET approaches, particularly in the building and construction sector.

From 2024 to 2025, the Bridging Innovation and Learning in TVET (BILT) project is convening its third Expert Group; this time focusing on new qualifications and competencies for building and construction in the three BILT regions of Africa, Asia and the Pacific, and Europe. With a thematic lens on digitalization, greening and international migration, the Expert Group investigates the approaches to ensure innovative and future-oriented TVET that is attuned to individual, labour market and societal demands.

Under the leadership of ConCOVE Tūhura of New Zealand, supported by the Centre d’Etudes et de Recherches sur les Qualifications (Céreq) of France, and the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON), the BILT Expert Group is implementing various activities:

• Facilitating both online and in-person meetings to foster dialogue and knowledge exchange among TVET stakeholders in the focus regions

• Conducting mapping exercises to identify current and future skills needs and trends in the building and construction sector across the regions

• Identifying and documenting initiatives to be published as Innovation and Learning Practices by UNESCO-UNEVOC

• Preparing a synthesis report with actionable recommendations for policy-makers and practitioners in TVET

• Establishing connections with relevant national, regional and international organizations to ensure alignment and effective dissemination of project outcomes

Through the concerted efforts of the Expert Group members, the BILT project aims to enhance the relevance of TVET in building and construction and thereby contribute to the transition to more digital, green and inclusive economies and societies. These activities will support the implementation of the UNESCO Strategy for TVET 2022-2029 and the UNESCO-UNEVOC medium-term strategy 2024-2026.

If you wish to learn more or contribute to the work of the BILT Expert Group, please contact us at unevoc.bilt(at)unesco.org or follow UNESCO-UNEVOC on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.