Liberia Energy Project: Findings from the Final Evaluation of the Liberia Electricity Corporation Training Activity
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Key Findings
- The COVID-19 pandemic and a reduced budget forced a shift from in-person to virtual training. About 300 LEC staff and 36 on-the-job trainers received virtual training, which exceeded learner satisfaction, course completion, and knowledge targets.
- While commercial staff felt trainings were relevant and useful, technical staff, including lineworkers, wanted hands-on training focused on repairing systems and meters at the utility, which is essential to address power failures due to widespread power theft.
- The utility needs major reform and resources to develop the workforce. LEC’s ability to operate critical infrastructure is compromised without continuous, regular training.
- The Outdoor Center has been underutilized due to equipment shortages.
MCC’s $238 million Liberia Compact (2016-2021) funded the $2.2 million Liberia Electricity Corporation Training Center Activity, a workforce development initiative designed to improve the skills and capacity of Liberia’s electricity utility staff. The activity was based on the theory that by investing in workforce development with a train-the-trainer model, implementing an on-the-job training program, and building an outdoor training center, utility staff would increase their skills and productivity and ultimately improve electricity quality and the financial sustainability of the Liberia Electricity Corporation. Mathematica conducted a performance evaluation to assess evaluation questions related to implementation, knowledge, relevance of skills gained, and sustainability. In this report, Mathematica researchers present the final results of the evaluation, drawing on program documentation, training materials and videos, and key informant interviews with on-the-job trainers, trainees, and utility management.
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