Evaluation report -- YMCA/Lebanon, vocational training in building trades project

Evaluation covers the period 8/82-5/83 (but includes a 7/83 addendum) and is based on document review, site visits, and interviews with trainees, graduates, supervisors, and influential community members. The project has been of significant value in providing training in various areas of construction. Among influential community members there is a strong feeling of appreciation and support for the program, although because of the political and economic situation, their financial support is doubtful at present. The employers interviewed said that new graduates have a good level of conceptual understanding and basic performance skills, needing only a few months of supervised work to become fully proficient. Trainees themselves had strong praise for the program. Of 752 enrollees, 610 have successfully completed training; 63% of those interviewed were employed in their specific field of training and earning good wages; another 8% were employed in the construction trade, but in areas other than their specialized training; and 9% were employed in other trades. Only 103 trainees, however, have been women (the target for next year is 300); of the 103, 53 were in drafting, 40 in interior decoration, and 10 in electricity. (The 7/83 addendum provides information on the status of women graduates, indicating that those in drafting are mainly employed, but those in interior decorating having difficulty.) An informal placement service to encourage the hiring of female graduates is suggested. Other recommendations are to consider training in other skill areas, particularly for women (e.g., office skills, bookkeeping), and, for purposes of evaluation, to: maintain closer communication with the graduates, keeping records on their activities; schedule the entrepreneurial seminars (two were conducted during the evaluation period) early in the fiscal year; and allow sufficient time for the evaluation process. To start and sustain reconstruction, the building industries will need a large labor force; the only prerequisite is the establishment of peace in Lebanon.