Support to VET Reforms in Uzbekistan (VET4UZ)


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Using Swiss experience and quality in dual education, the project supports Uzbekistan’s ongoing vocational education and training reforms, ensures national institutions and Sector Skills Councils are empowered to provide relevant, inclusive, competency-based training that benefits both youth and employers.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Uzbekistan
Governance
Education
Vocational training
Public sector policy
Education policy
01.01.2026 - 31.12.2029
CHF  3’000’000
Background Uzbekistan is undergoing rapid socio-economic reforms aimed at modernizing its education and labour systems to meet the needs of a youthful population and growing private sector. Persistent skills mismatches, high youth unemployment, and weak employer engagement prompted the government to prioritize vocational education and training (VET) reform under the New Uzbekistan Strategy 2030. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) launched the VET4UZ project in 2021 to support the creation of a modern, inclusive, and demand-driven dual VET system aligned with labour market needs and European quality standards.
Objectives VET students and graduates in Uzbekistan profit from a more inclusive and demand-driven VET system that improves youth employability and supports private sector development in Uzbekistan.
Target groups

Target groups:

  • Private sector and employers
  • Public Sector Institutions (MHESI, IVETD, MEPR, MPSE)
  • Formal VET providers (professional schools, colleges, technicums)

Beneficiaries:

Under- and unemployed youth aged 15–29 and secondary school students in public VET institutions, with targeted outreach to women and disadvantaged groups.

*Employers, business associations, and VET governance bodies benefit indirectly through stronger mandates and improved capacities.

Medium-term outcomes

Outcome 1: Employers and business associations play an increasingly active role in the implementation of dual VET system reforms.

Outcome 2: IVETD and VET providers ensure quality and relevance in VET through improved training delivery and a capacitated teacher workforce.

Results

Expected results:  

Output 1.1: Private sector engagement in VET governance and reform is institutionalized.

Output 1.2: Employer-driven dual VET delivery and curriculum co-creation are established and fully operational.

Output 1.3: Evidence-based learning and policy influence are institutionalized.

Output 2.1: IVETD provides comprehensive development and support for teachers in implementation of competency-based training.

Output 2.2: Stakeholder-driven quality assurance is embedded across school- and company-based training.


Results from previous phases:  

Phase I showed that Uzbekistan’s VET reform requires:

  • National ownership rather than project-led pilots.
  • Clear governance roles 
  • Scalable models, especially for teacher training and workplace learning.
  • Evidence-based decision-making to navigate rapid reforms.
  • Stable employer engagement mechanisms, not one-off consultations.
  • Quality assurance tools embedded institutionally, not delivered externally.

These lessons directly shape Phase II.


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Project partners Contract partner
Swiss Non-profit Organisation
  • HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation


Coordination with other projects and actors
  • With SKILL-UP (SDC) - joint advocacy, synergy for stronger system linkages, support in VET reforms.
  • TexVET-GIZ (BMZ) and UNESCO (EU).
Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    3’000’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    0 Budget inclusive project partner CHF    3’000’000 Total project since first phase Swiss budget CHF   5’500’000 Budget inclusive project partner CHF   11’500’000
Project phases Phase 2 01.01.2026 - 31.12.2029   (Current phase) Phase 1 01.08.2020 - 31.12.2025   (Completed)