To support the development of vocational education and professional skills in Georgia, the USAID five-year Employers for Vocational Education Program will be launched. A working meeting was held at the Ministry of Education and Science on the new program, which was attended by Deputy Minister, Tamar Kitiashvili, USAID Office of Economic Development Director Marika Olson, and other project representatives.

The 5-year program aims to establish a link between human capital development and employment, which will help reduce unemployment in the country and develop a sustainable economy. Developed in partnership with the private sector, the International Experts Corps (IESC) will help students, professionals and job seekers develop the skills needed for employment and become in demand in the job market.

Tamar Kitiashvili thanked the United States Agency for International Development for supporting the development of vocational education in Georgia, stressed the importance of the new program and noted that developing skills relevant to labour market requirements and promoting employment is a prerequisite for strengthening human capital in our country.

Marika Olson, for her part, explained that the five-year program, in addition to promoting employment, provides for the involvement of a wide range of stakeholders and the attraction of private / public investment in the implementation of vocational education programs. Program target groups include job seekers, rural people, including women, youth, people with disabilities, and ethnic minorities.