The Uzbek Government is investing highly in the social sectors and in particular in Education and Vocational Education Training due to the high percentage of youth (39% youth under 16, 60% under 25 and 63% of the population is living in rural areas). However, the recent expansion of Vocational Education Training has not been matched to the skills required by the labour market. 

The project contributes to the national reform of the Vocational Education Training system and to the building of a modern, competency based and labor market oriented Vocational Education Training system, with focus on practical training. In particular, the project is to contribute to the Secondary Specialized and Vocational Education reform by replicating the Skills Development approach for the water sector. 

Management, key staff and teachers of the colleges and  Vocational Education Training administration (CSSVE), Water Management and Water Supply organizations as employers, College Students, adult professionals and job seekers.

• The Centre for Secondary Special Vocational Education (CSSVE) of the Ministry of higher and secondary special Education disposes of the necessary knowhow and expertise to autonomously implement reforms to modernize the Vocational Education Training system through the development of modern occupational pathways, competency based training and labor relevant curricula, with a strong focus on practical training
• A mutually beneficial scheme for cooperation between vocational colleges and water management facilities and private enterprises dealing with maintenance and repair is developed and implemented in the project region
• The nine pilot vocational colleges in the target region (mostly Ferghana Valley) train mid-level specialists in accordance with the requirements of the water sector
• At least three vocational colleges in the target region (Ferghana Valley) are functioning as regional competence centres for specialists in the water sector 

Expected Results:  

• Staff of the Centre for Secondary Special Vocational Education (CSSVE) are trained to improve their professional competencies in Vocational Education Training, by cooperation at all levels during the project implementation
• New curricula and branch educational standards for water related occupational profiles are approved
• The cooperation with water related companies and pilot vocational colleges is formalized
• Nine vocational colleges have introduced the new model of training. Manuals and methodological training materials are developed for vocational colleges
• Colleges' principals, deputies, teachers and masters, leading specialists of the water enterprises have necessary knowledge and skills, and are trained for their new role
• Training laboratories and study rooms are adequately equipped (especially three Competence Centres)
• A new set-up for interim and final examinations is developed and introduced
• Almost 100 % employment coverage is achieved for pilot classes
• Training modules for adults are developed and offered (job seekers, interested individuals, etc.)

Results from previous phase:  

The Phase I and II of the Skills Development Project concentrated on developing models for two professions (mechanic and specialist of automated systems). The model of cooperation with manufacturing enterprises and SMEs was well accepted and has been introduced into the national Vocational Education Training system and in the national policy on job creation. Companies have been convinced by the beneficial collaboration with colleges. Nevertheless, the capacity of the Vocational Education Training authorities to scale up the reform to other training areas is questionable and may threaten the sustainability of these phases.

Ministry of Higher and Special Secondary Education, Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, Chamber of Commerce, GOPA (Germany) - implementer

Phase 3 01.01.2011 - 28.02.2015   (Completed)