Russian expert contributes to implementation of the reforms in Armenia's secondary vocational education to boost youth employment

Armenia is going through one of the most turbulent periods of its contemporary history. The effects of the pandemic, escalation of the border conflict, and influx of migrants have resulted in major socio-economic shocks, which has impacted all the layers of society, especially the youth.

To support the fulfillment of the youth’s potential by enhancing the quality of career guidance services in educationalinstitutions, the Associate Professor of the Skolkovo Education Development Center in coordination with localorganizations elaborated a comprehensive training program for career center specialists. The program covers a wide range of aspects related to the development of career centers, including issues of digitalization in education, public-private partnerships aimed at improving the efficiency of workforce training, as well as trends in the development of a "green" economy associated with the creation of "green" jobs.

From July 3 to July 7, 2023, training sessions were held in Agveran for specialists from career centers established at colleges across Armenia, aimed at supporting current reforms in the development of vocational education and addressing youth employment issues. The training covered global trends in the development and implementation of technologies and innovations affecting the labor market and the demand for workforce training, as well as key strategies for implementing best global practices in career guidance and development.

The event allowed over 100 specialists from career centers to expand their knowledge and tools in the area of labor market needs forecasting, including the foresight method, strengthening partnerships with employers, as well as building individual career trajectories for youth and providing mentorship aimed at achieving career goals and obtaining decent work in accordance with personal preferences and the strengths of college students.

The representatives from the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia, Methodological Center for Career Guidance and Professional Orientation, as well as National Center for VET Development have highly appreciated the contribution of the Russian expert to the development of the training program, which will enhance the effectiveness of the career development support system in Armenia.

The work of the Russian expert was implemented with the financial support of the Russian Federation within the framework of the project "Knowledge Management and Capacity Development in the UNDP-Russia Partnership".