In order to promote human capital and sustainable economic development in Georgia, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has officially launched a new five-year program "Employers for Vocational Education". 

The five-year program aims to stimulate cooperation between employers and educational institutions, develop professional programs in cooperation with the private sector, and promote the establishment of international quality standards. The program will help students, professionals, and job seekers to develop skills relevant to the demands of the labour market and find employment, which will ultimately ensure the reduction of unemployment in our country and the development of a sustainable economy. 

The target groups of the program, developed by the International Corps of Experts (IESC) in collaboration with the private sector, mainly include the rural population, including women, youth, and ethnic minorities. 

The presentation of the program was opened by Peter Wibler, USAID / Georgia Mission Director, and Tamar Kitiashvili, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Georgia. 

In her speech, Tamar Kitiashvili spoke about the importance of the project and noted that at this stage of development of the vocational education system, it is essential to activate the private sector, especially to strengthen sectoral policies in various sectors of the economy. The Deputy Minister believes that the new USAID program is timely and will accelerate the processes that should ultimately make vocational education a subject of equal partnership between the private and public sectors and should also establish an international standard for the qualifications offered in Georgia. 

During the event, the Deputy Minister of Education and Science, along with experts and representatives of the private sector, participated in a panel discussion and spoke about the need and importance of private sector involvement in vocational education.

Peter Webler: "As a result of this initiative, we will not only create employment opportunities for the citizens of Georgia, but also give them an incentive to achieve success and engage in the growing development of the economy. In addition, we will create an example of how the latest programs are created in collaboration with the business and the employer. Establishing a direct link between training programs and employment opportunities will provide Georgian citizens with employment opportunities today and in the future, and will provide local businesses with highly qualified, in-demand human capital.”

As a result of the US Government-funded program, 4,800 people will be involved in training programs, at least 3,840 people will be employed, and their working conditions will be improved, 30 businesses will establish long-term partnerships with training organizations, $ 6.99 million will be co-financed by the private sector, 35% of the trainees will be rural and ethnic minorities, and at least 45% will be women.