
An
interim assessment of dual vocational education program - "viticulture-winemaker"
was held in Georgia for the first time. The evaluation was carried out in two
stages, the first stage-theoretical exam was conducted in dual program
implementing vocational colleges, whereas the practical examination was held in
one of the wine manufacturing enterprises. The students were given the chance
to put forth their theoretical knowledge and apply it to the real
work/operational situations, whilst paying attention to the work safety
guidelines and regulations, which is in turn in full compliance with the
learning process.
According to German experience, after a
year and a half, since the program’s initial launch, a two-component
theoretical and practical intermediate examination was determined. The goal of
the exam is to evaluate the validity of the learning process, identify the
shortcomings, elaborate recommendations and improve the quality of education.
The Examination Commission was represented by directors of the enterprise,
company instructors, field experts, college teachers and employers, who help
determine whether the achieved education and the learning outcome is in
compliance with the current labor market.
The Dual Vocational Education Program is
implemented by the German International Cooperation and Development (GIZ),
within the scope of the regional program – Private Sector and Vocational
Education Development in the South Caucasus (PSDTVET), under the supervision of
the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany (BMZ).
The goal of the Dual Vocational Education Program is to provide qualified
personnel and promote employment in general. Additionally, the program
encourages young people to start their own businesses and generate their own
source of income. Therefore, the involvement of the private sector at all
stages of the program is the foundation for dual vocational education, and a
prerequisite for overcoming the unemployment. The student qualification exams
will be conducted in this manner.