Research on the Present Shortage of Highly Skilled Workers in the Textile and Clothing Manufacturing Industry with Regard to Supporting the Firms Sector for Sustainable Development in Ethiopia

The textile and clothing manufacturing industry is undergoing rapid technological advancements in areas such as digital sustainability. However, a shortage of high-skilled talent is emerging, particularly in areas like digitizing factories, improving supply chains, implementing resource efficiency strategies, and managing international markets. Workers must not only have traditional textile skills but also cross-sectorial knowledge to support emerging technical textile markets. Vocational education and training (TVET) systems are struggling to meet these demands. Curricula are outdated, focusing on discrete skills rather than holistic competencies, and assessments emphasize theoretical knowledge rather than practical problem-solving. Furthermore, teachers lack current digital and industry-specific expertise, exacerbating the talent gap. The industry’s historical restructuring and job reductions have negatively affected its reputation, leading to fewer young people pursuing careers in textiles beyond design and distribution. This reduced interest in textile education worsens the talent pipeline, creating a cycle where the industry’s needs outpace the supply of skilled workers. As a result, the growing demand for high-skilled talent in the face of technological advancements poses a significant challenge to the industry’s future growth and innovation. The survey aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of industry integration with the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, focusing on the balance between hard and soft skills in training programs. It was conducted across two polytechnic colleges (Entoto and Tegbare-id), and at Federal TVET institution, in Bole Lemi Industry Park, and local enterprises. The survey targeted 518 participants, with a sample size of 226 respondents, including 105 TVET students, 36 teachers, 60 industry park technicians, and 25 enterprise technicians 68% male and 32% female respondents participated in this study. The survey assessed both hard skills (technical skills specific to job roles) and soft skills (a major gap encountered by industry technicians; the development of high-skilled talent is hindered by an outdated curriculum that does not align with industry requirements interpersonal, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork). The aim was to evaluate how well the current TVET system equips students with the competencies needed by industries and to identify any gaps in training for both technical and behavioral skills.