A presentation of implemented and planned innovations in vocational education was held

The State Audit Office of Georgia conducted an efficiency audit of the vocational education system for the years 2011-2012 (reviewing the first quarter of 2013) and published the corresponding report in December 2013. The report provides recommendations for addressing existing problems within the system. Today, an information meeting was held at the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia, during which interested parties were presented with information regarding the 2013-2014 activities related to the implementation of these recommendations. Invited guests included journalists, representatives of educational institutions and international organizations, social partners, and others.

Since 2013, the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia has been implementing the Vocational Education Reform Strategy (2013-2020) and Action Plan so that vocational education can fulfill its assigned role in the country's socio-economic development processes. The strategy and action plan fully address existing challenges, including the problems and recommendations reflected in the report of the State Audit Office.

Important activities implemented in 2013:

• The Vocational Education Reform Strategy (2013-2020) and Action Plan were developed;
• The introduction of inclusive vocational education approaches began;
• The strategy for private sector engagement in vocational education was created;
• A new funding model for the vocational education system was enacted;
• New rules for admission to vocational educational programs were enacted;
• The DACUM methodology for developing vocational standards was created;
• The concept for developing modular educational programs was created;
• 75 vocational standards were updated taking into account employers' requirements;
• The experience of quality assessment in vocational schools across 11 European countries was analyzed, and recommendations were prepared for the creation of a new educational quality assurance concept;
• A self-assessment guide for vocational educational institutions was created;
• A study on the needs of vocational school teachers was conducted, and the concept for vocational education teacher training and continuing professional development was prepared.

This is a brief list of measures implemented within the framework of the vocational education reform in 2013, while in 2014, the Ministry's activities are directed towards the following areas:

• Piloting modular vocational programs and training teachers in the preparation of these programs;
• Updating at least 30 vocational standards considering employers' requirements;
• Developing a new quality assurance concept;
• Introducing concrete mechanisms for cooperation with the private sector;
• Piloting graduate surveys (with the aim of determining employment rates);
• Approving the concept of vocational education teacher training and continuing professional development, and developing its implementation plan;
• Training of vocational education teachers in enterprises, etc.

Following the presentation, a discussion was held, and invited guests had the opportunity to express their opinions regarding both the audit report and ongoing changes and plans in the field of vocational education.