The Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia, Mikheil Chkhenkeli opened the National Vocational Education Week (Skills Week Georgia) in an online format. The week, which aims to analyze the current challenges in vocational education due to Covid-19 pandemic, evaluate the steps taken in this regard and discuss potential prospects, started today, and will continue until December 10.

During his speech, Mikheil Chkhenkeli discussed implemented within the scope of the Vocational Education Reform Strategy 2013-2020, emphasizing the importance of human capital development, internationalization of the discipline and the creation of a labor market-oriented system. Furthermore, the minister positively assessed the enhancement of public-private partnerships and the growth of employer involvement, which ultimately laid the foundation for a completely revived vocational education management and new models.

Mikheil Chkhenkeli: “We have taken important steps towards human capital development, internationalization of this discipline, in conjunction with creating of a labor market-oriented system. A new, modern qualification system was developed, in line with the European qualifications system, and new standards for the vocational education institutions authorization was also approved. Additionally, the network of schools has been strengthened, the educational infrastructure has been brought closer to international standards, and adult education has been developed.”

According to the Minister, a new phase of vocational education reform will start next year, which will be based on a new strategy for vocational education reform, with the main emphasis to harmonize Georgian system with EU policies and further strengthen the bond and partnerships with the local private sector.

Towards the end of his speech, Mikheil Chkhenkeli wished success to the conference attendees and thanked the international donors for their long-term, active cooperation and support in developing vocational education.

Moreover, the minister also expressed gratitude towards teachers, the staff and all the employers involved for their invaluable contribution during the pandemic.

Organized by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia and supported by the EU program Skills4Jobs, the National Vocational Education Week (Skills Week Georgia) is being held in a remote format - online conferences on December 7-10, considering the epidemiological situation in the country. The event is also held within the scope of European Commission Vocational Education Week, which Georgia has been participating for several years.