The hissing sound of a pneumatic tool echoed across the service bay at MOENCO, one of Ethiopia’s leading automotive service centres. Standing amidst a flurry of activity was Mr. Mohammed Ali, an automotive instructor from Kombolcha Polytechnic College, closely observing as a technician calibrated a hybrid vehicle’s engine control module. He gained firsthand experience of the technology, the precision, speed, and systematic workflow that characterised the workshop environment.
“I had taught theory for years,” Mr. Ali reflected. “But here, I saw how every minute detail, from diagnostics to digital service logs, was critical in delivering world-class automotive service. It completely shifted how I understood my own subject.”
Mr. Ali was part of a select group of 15 instructors undergoing industry attachment under the Eastern Africa Skills for Transformation and Regional Integration Project (EASTRIP). Hosted by MOENCO and Belayab Motors, the program was designed to immerse technical instructors in real-time, industry-grade automotive operations. For the trainers from Kombolcha, it was an eye-opening journey into the evolving realities of the labour market.
Reengineering the Teaching Experience
The partnerships established with MOENCO and Belayab Motors have opened doors for student internships, joint curriculum review, and potential post-graduation employment. The Industry Advisory Board (IAB) at the College has been instrumental in fostering meaningful collaboration between the institution and local industries. Comprising leaders from key sectors, particularly automotive technology, the board has actively contributed to curriculum redesign to align training with current industry demands.
Armed with fresh insights, Mr. Ali and his colleague Mr. Thomas Melkie returned to Kombolcha Polytechnic and led a series of workshops to share their experience with other faculty. They integrated new topics into the automotive technology curriculum, including diagnostics with OBD systems, electronic transmission servicing, and modern workshop safety standards.
As a result, students began to engage more in practical sessions. Assessments reflected a notable improvement in their problem-solving abilities and technical accuracy. The industry attachment has since became a catalyst for implementing curriculum reforms.
“We have moved from teaching outdated content to offering students a future-focused learning experience,” said Mr. Melkie. “This is how you build confidence in both your students and your programme.”
The collaboration with industry has led to improved graduate employability, with a 76% job placement rate within six months, and has strengthened partnerships for internships and joint projects, boosting employer satisfaction with the quality of graduates.
Institutional Benefits and Systemic Change
The industry attachments are part of EASTRIP’s initiative to bridge the gap between training institutions and industry. With funding from the World Bank and the governments of Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania, the project supports 16 Regional Flagship TVET Institutes (RFTIs) to enhance the quality, relevance, and regional alignment of vocational training.
The achievements reflect the transformative potential of well-structured industry attachment programs in elevating the quality and relevance of technical and vocational education. It has positioned Kombolcha as a regional TVET excellence in automotive technology.
By Assen Bushira, M&E Specialist, Kombolcha Polytechnic College
