At a time when youth unemployment remains a major challenge in Ethiopia, and even university graduates struggle to secure jobs, Kelem Ethiopia is working to equip young people with short-term, market-oriented technical skills that enable them to build sustainable livelihoods.
One of these young professionals is Ermias Tsegaye, who lives in Kebele 04, Kombolcha. In 2023, Ermias joined a short-term gypsum training program organized by Kelem Ethiopia at the Job-Oriented Youth Skills (JOYS) Center, after hearing from a friend who was interested in the plumbing course.
For Ermias, gaining a skill and meaningful work brought more than income; it restored hope and confidence in his future.
“This opportunity came at a time when finding a job is very difficult for young people. Even graduates are unemployed, which often leads to frustration, depression, and substance use. Through this training, we were able to start our own work,” he explains.
Motivated by a strong interest in gypsum work, Ermias received practical training in gypsum installation, gypsum board production, and basic costing. After completing the course, he chose to build his experience by working as an assistant for three months on real construction sites. Soon after, he began taking contracts independently.
“This short-term training made a huge difference in my life. I love my work, and I do it with passion. By building trust with my clients, I continue to attract more customers, and I am now saving money to build a better future,” says Ermias.
Today, Ermias completes gypsum works for a single villa within five weeks, enabling him to increase his income and expand his customer base. Till this day, he has already decorated the ceilings of more than 10–15 houses and completed many additional room-level projects. Along the way, he also learned painting and finishing skills from fellow workers. Through his growing business, Ermias now supports
himself and his retired mother.
“This technical skill has given me better income; even better than formal recruitment. It enables me support my family through my own work.”
He recalls a particularly difficult moment when his mother was at risk of losing her eyesight due to illness. Thanks to his stable income, Ermias was able to cover her medical treatment and help save her vision.
“I am truly grateful to Kelem Ethiopia for giving me this opportunity,” he says with joy.
By promoting his services on social media, Ermias continues to reach new clients and expand his business.
At a time when many young people face limited employment opportunities, the vocational training programs delivered by Kelem Ethiopia are enabling youths to become skilled professionals and self-employed entrepreneurs.
“This training should never stop. My dream is to hire new trainees, manage multiple contracts, and increase my income,” Ermias adds.
With the support of our partners;Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung, TERRA TECH Förderprojekte e.V., and Aktion Deutschland Hilft, we have been delivering short-term, market-oriented trainings in electrical installation, gypsum works, garment production, plumbing, and tiling and ceramics work in Kombolcha city of South Wollo, Amhra regional state, empowering more than 1,000 unemployed youth with practical skills for employment and self-reliance.
Author:-Hassina Ousman
