Final report : FEPADE -- mid-term evaluation

Interim evaluation covers the period 1987-1990. Except in the areas noted below, FEPADE has already met or surpassed project goals. Institutionally, it has developed an adequate capacity for organizing and administering project- supported training programs and for developing new ones. On the negative side, due to competing claims within FEPADE for the services of its professional personnel, FEPADE has failed to develop the information system needed to monitor and evaluate its training programs. Existing systems are fragmented, difficult to cross-reference, and accessible only to their creators. FEPADE also needs to develop realistic plans for the financial self- sufficiency of its programs. FEPADE training courses appear to be relevant and well-received. A sample survey of trainees showed that FEPADE training has increased worker efficiency, productivity, and earnings. The technical and vocational (TEC/VOC) program, which accounts for at least 75% of project training, has already exceeded its 5-year targets by training over 5,000 persons in 343 courses covering 13 employment categories. A total of 18% of TEC/VOC training has been directed to the export sector, mostly in apparel manufacturing; in light of the projected threefold increase in export volume and employment, FEPADE's decision to focus on the export sector appears well taken. FEPADE has also established a successful automotive repair and maintenance training institute, Escuela Taller Automotriz. The institute is controversial, however, since it caters exclusively to the high-tech/high- capital end of the automotive repair sector while neglecting the much larger informal sector. FEPADE's management administration training program has trained about 1,800 top and middle-level managers through 123 courses, seminars, and conferences covering 37 themes. The program has surpassed its cumulative training objectives and established FEPADE's credibility within a very competitive training sector. Of particular note is the program's success in generating demand for an in-company program in quality control systems and procedures. The 36 scholarships awarded so far under FEPADE's scholarship meet targets for this component; 27 of the recipients have returned to El Salvador, and the majority are gainfully employed and using their technical abilities. The educational credit program has not met expectations, however, with only 51 loans (representing 23% of available funds) made to date; the program has also failed to promote enrollment in FEPADE-sponsored training courses. FEPADE should either dramatically increase the number of loans made or terminate the program.