Unemployed Biotechnology Graduates: Need of Modernization of Education and Training in Tunisia

Abstract

Biotechnology is a priority higher education and economical sector for Tunisia. However, there is an ever-increasing unemployment rate of the biotechnology graduates in the country. Indeed, this huge problem warrants immediate attention and necessary actions from various stakeholders. This study presents the results of a benchmarking visit, which was arranged by Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK) in Finland, as part of 'BiotechTunisia' Erasmus+ project entitled ‘Modernization of Biotechnology training for better employability of graduates in Tunisia’. There are four Tunisian and three European partners in this project that leads to modernization of skills of teachers, researchers, and students to improve employment and opportunities for entrepreneurship of young graduates in Tunisia. The project aims to modernize the education and the scientific research in the biotechnology field. During this benchmarking visit, Tunisian partners attended seminars, workshops, visited advanced learning facilities, participated to many group discussions, learned about teacher tutoring concept, and student counselling method. Delegation learned about new learning methodologies, pedagogy, and soft skills of students, which could be replicated in their home country education system. The benchmarking visit is seen as an opportunity for Tunisian partners to transfer the good practices from Finland to their home country. Tunisian delegates agree that the learnings could have a positive impact in their education system in coming years towards modernization of education and training of biotechnology students.