Vocational training in banking

Location

Armenia

Duration

1997 - 2004

Donor

GTZ (German Agency for Technical Cooperation)

Budget

1.240.000 EURO

Description and Deliverables

Assistance to the Ministry of Education in reforming the vocational training sector, in particular Set up and pilot running of a financial banking college. (Nowadays this college is the leading institute for VET and further education in the field of banking and financing in Armenia, to a significant extent financed by the banking sector). Service included:

Establishment of an institutional framework with the Ministry of Education to ensure modern standards in professional education, identification of local partners (vocational/technical institutes and firms, banks, administrations)
Definition of job descriptions, assessment, examination and certification standards and procedures (according to international standards)
Development and adoption of curricula, methodical-didactical guidelines, production of teaching and learning aids, training materials in Armenian language according to the need of the local banking sector and professional qualification
Qualification of teachers according to modern standards in teaching banking, such as active teaching methods, presentation and communication skills, and the use of ICT technologies
Qualification of VET classes in basic banking skills (with 2 years training duration) in close co-operation with local banks to ensure practical orientation

The first phase started with the set up of the college, adaptation of curricula, elaboration of a first package of training material and pilot execution of 2 VET courses for banking experts. Further focus was given to the development of cooperation between the college and the banking institutions
The second phase provided an enlargement of the VET fields to financial businesses and invitation of external clients, improvement of the examination and certification standards and procedures
The third phase is focused on follow-up and sustainability aspects, improvement of the financing scheme, marketing concept, acquisition of orders/projects from international clients

Project management and monitoring, coordination of activities with the project partner
Permanent provision of consultancy services to the administration at ministry and college level, comprehensive advice in the field of VET for banking and finance sector
Implementation of trainer training, first training in banking and financing, further education, bank management training for different clients and external seminars
Support to the development of standards, curricula, material as described above
Institution building
Planning of equipment for the training centre and management of the equipment provision
Training of local experts and managers at home and in Western Europe (execution of study tours)