Introduction In recent decades, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs have successfully helped raise millions of people out of poverty. Despite efforts by policymakers and education practitioners to promote the programs, these continue to suffer from a range of negative perceptions, in particular that they cater to less fortunate or less intelligent students who do not qualify for university admission. Here are 7 ways to communicate better and counter misconceptions about TVET. Have consistent messaging Develop a communication plan. Work with experts to help create your message. Use one message so it would be easily remembered by your target market/audience. "Brand" your message. Sell the job, not the course Campaign about employment and career opportunities. Highlight the benefits. Show the rewards. (eg. Put a face on the rewards of TVET whom your target audience can relate to such as testimonials from credible influences or spokespersons/role models/endorsers). Talk about TVET in terms of the benefits they can get (eg. how fast one can land a job, the salaries they can earn, how TVET is open to everyone – men or women). Show job opportunities for TVET graduates versus university graduates. Understand the local context and language Hire a good specialist versed in local languages/dialects to make sure you get the message right. Be careful and be specific with words used in promotional materials. Ask government officials and industry pillars to endorse TVET. Segment and target a specific market/audience Study your market well. Choose a specific target. "Talk" to that market. Conduct research and surveys to make sure you are addressing their interests, needs and aspirations. Appeal to your targets' interests. (eg. Tell your market that they can choose a career based on their skills and interests. Show them that women and men can do any job they want.) Expand access to TVET Go to where your market is – go to the high schools or the malls. Provide incentives such as scholarships or on-the-job trainings. Open internship opportunities with private companies. Sponsor skills competitions. Spread the word that TVET is accredited by government and accepted by industries. Use different communication tools and channels Study which tools and channels would appeal to your target market. Tools and channels can range from social marketing such as Facebook groups and posts and viral videos to traditional forms as such TV ads, short films, movie ads, radio spots, comic strips, posters, signage, roadshows, village loudspeaker system, peer ambassadors, newspaper ads. Educate employers and other stakeholders Conduct a campaign among employers and stakeholders that TVET graduates could help boost their companies' profits and productivity. Educate employers and stakeholders that TVET is relevant and responsive to labor market needs. TVET helps in lowering unemployment and underemployment. View / Save infographic Resources Communicating TVET. 2016. ADB Department of External Relations Project Communication Group Knowledge Sharing Series co-organized with the Education Sector Group. Promoting What to Whom? Communicating Technical and Vocational Education and Training: A View from the Field Ask the Experts Karina Veal International Expert in Vocational and Higher Education Karina Veal served as a senior education specialist for the Asian Development Bank (ADB), where she provided strategic advice and technical expertise to governments across Asia. She also advocated new approaches for ADB's $2.7 billion TVET portfolio. Prior to joining ADB in 2012, she provided consulting services in skills for development, advising UN and bilateral agencies; and held public policy roles in the Australian TVET system. Follow Karina Veal on Karin Schelzig Director, Human and Social Development Sector Office, Sectors Group, Asian Development Bank Karin Schelzig is a poverty and social protection specialist with more than 25 years of experience leading human and social development projects, dialogue and research in East and Southeast Asia. Previously based in Beijing, she focused on shock-responsive social protection, social assistance, social welfare services, healthy and age-friendly city development, and inclusive education in Mongolia and the People’s Republic of China. She holds a PhD from the London School of Economics. Follow Karin Schelzig on Leave your question or comment in the section below: View the discussion thread.