National skills development policies and systems strive to meet labour market needs for skills and to improve productivity and competitiveness in all sectors in which human resources are critical for the integration of skills development into national employment and development strategies.  Skills policies and systems encompass technical and vocational training (TVET), workplace learning, informal learning, learning opportunities in the informal and rural economies and education and training for lifelong learning.

Skills development is a key factor in the employability of workers and the sustainability of enterprises.  One of the objectives of skills development systems is therefore to ensure that the skills acquired match the skills valued in the workplace. Skills development systems must also help workers and enterprises adjust to change and handle new conditions. These may be triggered by climate change, globalization, demographic trends, technological progress or financial crisis.

In chasing the goal of employability, the ITC-ILO works closely with employers and workers to contribute to:

(i)  the development of national skills policies and regulatory frameworks for VET systems;

(ii) continuous improvement of VET, both qualitative and quantitative;

(iii) strengthening of decentralized VET institutions.

In so doing, the Centre builds on the ILO´s cornerstones of decent work: fundamental principles and rights at work, employment and income opportunities for women and men, social protection, social dialogue and tripartism. It also draws on the tripartite agreements adopted at the International Labour Conference in June 2008 on Skills for improved productivity, employment growth and development.