PPDP Youth employment- RUTA MOTOR Colombia 2018-2026

This analysis is mainly based on the evaluation received by the Embassy in October 2023 and the reporting for 2023. The evaluation is based on the project database as of July 2023, when the cohort of students who started in 2020 and finalized the program in 2022. The table below shows the totality of students who have started the program according to the narrative report. The evaluation follows group 2.5. The evaluation states that of the 297 participants in group 2.5 found in the database a sample of 73 students were selected for in-depth interviews of which 60% (30.6%) were in employment 35.6% (21.9%) in search of employment, 2.73% (1%) in the production phase and 1.36% (0.3%) in the teaching phase. The evaluation concluded that these young people have a clear and strong discourse about their personal and professional growth. More than 90% of the young people interviewed stated that, thanks to the Ruta Motor project, they have specific tools for personal development which helps them improve their socioeconomic insertion and have greater control over their lives. A high percentage of them are mature and empowered young people, focused on their objectives. In addition to qualitative analysis the evaluation also followed up on the result in the results matrix with the following result: The indicators have an average achievement rate of 127.5 per cent, with 2 of the 12 indicators achieving the target at 100 per cent, while 5 of the 12 have an average achievement rate of 188 per cent In only 4 cases is less than 100% achievement, and only 1 indicator fails to be identified. The main achievement is that the general objective of 60% of graduates being employed or in higher studies was met, but only 2 of the 297 were perusing higher studies. the interviews show that the main obstacle for further studies is economic. As for outcome 1, the degree of satisfaction of companies with the skills of the participants 53.8% of those consulted indicated that the skills of young people were very good. 43% as good, and 3% as fair, giving an 87.5% fulfilment of the outcome. As for outcome 2, 91.5% of those consulted considered that the curriculum was coherent with the needs of companies in the sector, demonstrating the relevance of the training, and therefore the project. Having read also the narrative report from the year 2023, which also depicts a lack of interest from the private sector, it would possibly be more relevant to consult those who choose not to take part if any change in the supply would make them more interested. On the other hand, the achievement of the indicator "Percentage of youth dropout during the programme" with 103.6% is, according to the evaluation, an exceptional result. This achievement is based on a dropout rate of 29%, which is significantly lower than the average dropout rate usually seen in projects aimed at young people and despite the context of the pandemic. As for outcome 3, the "Percentage of Men and Women Certified as Technicians" is an indicator that reflects the successful completion of technical training. The results significantly exceeded the set goal of 60%, giving an achievement of 145%. Of the 206 young people who successfully completed the practical stage, a total of 179 received their certificates as technicians, 87%. The aim of motivating 20% to continue studying was surpassed 96% want to continue (giving an achievement of 478%!) The evaluation also has a more qualitative analysis of relevance, efficiency, effectiveness and impact where the result is also generally positive. On relevance, it is perceived as relevant by the participants, but minimal attention is given to whether it is perceived as relevant by employers. Also in the narrative report, it seemed that the program tends to "sell" the courses to companies, rather than to design courses based on company demand. This issue has been raised with the partner already and could be followed up also by being included in indicators and in the evaluation. On effectiveness, the quantitative analysis above already shows the high level of fulfilment of established objectives, also confirmed in this part of the evaluation. On efficiency, it is also deemed to be high, with a level of drop out that is considered low for this kind of program and beneficiaries, as well as a low level of turnover of staff, and goals for employment met. On impact, it is considered high, not only in the delivery of qualified staff for companies, but also in soft issues, such as personal development related to self management and communication at the workplace, self-esteem and self motivation. The economic results of being capacitated are raised as the most important by only 14% of the respondents. On sustainability, the aim of the project is to structurally transform the educational supply. The analysis, however, focuses on the sustainability of the individual change and the creation of an informal network between participants. As a whole, the evaluation, per se well done and relevant, seems to somewhat emphasize the achievements while omitting the problems. It also tends to focus on the individuals participating, rather than transformation of structures and the role of this vocational training for wider societal and economic development through "the consolidation of a public private model for the development of the workforce in the motor sector" as stated in the general objective.

This contribution aims in the long term at breaking the inter-generational cycle of poverty for young vulnerable people through a public private partnership that provide relevant labor force to the market. The three intended outputs are, first, improving conditions for employment of 1000 vulnerable young men and women from Bogota, Medellin, Cali and Valledupar; second, improving participation of private companies and their coordination with relevant public institutions and, finally, to strengthen the public offer of vocational training and higher education in order that responds to the labor demand.