The Ministry Discusses the German Dual Vocational Education Model

The meeting aimed to introduce the vocational education system in Georgia and discuss challenges related to the development of the sector with the purpose of subsequently supporting the reform. The meeting also discussed the German dual vocational education model, which represents an approach practically tailored to the labor market and allows for the acquisition of theoretical and practical knowledge and skills in parallel, with the participation of employers. The conversation at the Ministry specifically touched upon the prospects of introducing elements of the German dual model into the Georgian vocational education system.

Mr. Feist emphasized the importance of international mobility for shaping the image of vocational education and developing its quality. He believes it is essential to create a European platform for the recognition and equal consideration of qualifications—similar to the Bologna Process in higher education—which will open up broad opportunities for vocational education.

According to Ketevan Natriashvili, it was a constructive and useful meeting. The discussion touched upon closer cooperation with the German side, which implies the exchange of vocational students and teachers, as well as the launch of bilateral projects. Discussions on cooperation will continue in the future.

As for the specific German dual vocational training model, more and more countries are trying to introduce this approach, because the experience of German-speaking countries has shown that vocational education obtained in this format contributes to the creation of stable jobs, the development of the quality of education, and the implementation of the principle of lifelong learning.

The Ministry of Education and Science welcomes the initiative expressed by the German side to support the development of vocational education. Sharing German experience in the reform of vocational education will contribute to Georgia's development not only from an economic perspective, but also in terms of closer alignment with the European market, which is one of the priorities of the Association Agreement with the European Union.