Special conference was dedicated to the ongoing reforms of the vocational education. Planned amendments in the law on the vocational education were presented at the conference.

Delegation of EU to Georgia and UNDP, together with MES organized the conference.

Representatives of the Government of Georgia, international organizations, Georgian Employers’ Association and Professional Unions of Georgia attended the conference. Principals of the professional colleges and representatives of the business companies took part in the conference as well.

Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Georgia, Irine Kurdadze emphasized that Georgia has a great potential in vocational education development in the conditions of growing economy and dynamic business environment.

“Satisfying requirements of the market economy of the country and supporting the diversification of the labor market is very important” – noted Deputy Minister.

Participants of the conference discussed such issues that are connected to the successful implementation of the   reforms – improving the legislation, developing the new system for vocational education and training, perspectives of vocational education development in Georgia and the role of international organizations in the reforms.

“EU supports the progress of vocational education in Georgia. We continue to encourage the Government of Georgia in implementing 2009-2012 strategy about vocational education” – said the Head of the European Union Delegation to Georgia, Per Eklund.

UNDP resident representative in Georgia, Jamie Mc Goldrick noted, that development of vocational education and training will support the poverty reduction and improvement of the possibilities of employment.

“UNDP has been cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia since 2006. It supports opening of new, modern colleges for vocational education and developing of education programs that fit the local labor market” – said he.