SUPPORT TO VOCATIONAL EDUCATION REFORM

A new model for training of vocational education teachers will be launched for the first time in vocational education, which is based on the best experience of Switzerland in this area and envisages introduction of additional university programs i.e. minors for acquisition of profession of the vocational education teachers. The first minors will be introduced in Ilia State University for the teachers of agricultural field. Afterwards this experience can be extended to other universities in Georgia as well.

Development of a new model started at the beginning of 2017, when the representatives of the Government of Georgia and the universities went on a working visit to the Berne University of Applied Sciences, Switzerland, and met the representatives of the School of Agriculture, Forest and Food Sciences (HAFL). In the course of the working visit the Georgian delegation got acquainted with the practical issues related to training of the vocational education teachers, including drafting of curriculum and training modules, qualification standards and e-learning opportunities.

This initiative is the part of a larger program aimed at facilitation of the vocational education and retraining reform in Georgia. The six-year program, with the budget more than 6 million USD, is implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), with the financial support of the Swiss Cooperation Office (SCO) in the South Caucasus and in collaboration with the Government of Georgia.