Skills-Profiling Application in Egypt for refugees

Communicating relevant skills and expertise to potential employers is crucial for job seekers, but refugees often face unique challenges due to differences in training and educational qualifications between their home countries and host nations. To address this issue, ILO PROSPECTS Egypt partnered with Skilllab, a Netherlands-based social startup, and the Association of Businessmen in Alexandria (ABA) to pilot a skills-profiling application.

The pilot, conducted from 2020 to 2021, involved 400 beneficiaries from the refugee and host communities. Following the pilot, a tracer study was conducted three months later to gather direct feedback. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the skills-profiling app in helping refugees articulate their skills to potential employers.

The findings from the tracer study provide valuable insights and recommendations for improving the application. Key aspects explored include the usability of the app, its impact on employment opportunities for refugees, and suggestions for enhancing its functionality and reach.

One of the significant advantages of the skills-profiling app is its ability to empower refugees by enabling them to self-assess and present their skills in a way that resonates with employers. By bridging the gap between refugees’ qualifications and employers’ expectations, the app plays a crucial role in facilitating integration and enhancing economic opportunities for refugees in Egypt.

Moving forward, stakeholders can use the insights gained from this initiative to refine the app further and expand its implementation. This includes incorporating additional features based on user feedback, scaling the app to reach more beneficiaries, and fostering partnerships to support sustainable employment solutions for refugees.

In conclusion, the skills-profiling application piloted by ILO PROSPECTS Egypt, Skilllab, and ABA represents a promising approach to addressing employment challenges faced by refugees. By leveraging technology and collaboration, this initiative not only supports refugees in showcasing their skills but also contributes to inclusive economic growth and social integration in Egypt.

Source: International Labour Organization, April 2022