Skills Development

Location

Uzbekistan

Duration

2004 - 2010

Donor

Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation

Budget

4.397.000 EURO

Description and Deliverables

Phases : Pilot Phase: April–Dec. 2004; Phase I: Jan 2005 – Dec 2007; Phase II: Jan 2008 – Dec 2010

The Skills Development Project has been designed to contribute to the ability of Uzbekistan’s Vocational Education and Training System to adequately respond to the actual needs of the labour market and socio-economic conditions. The creation of a modern system of vocational education, relevant to dynamic and fast-changing conditions of the labour market is a gradual and long-term process. SDP intends to contribute to this demanding change process through demonstrating the potential of modern VET to all stakeholders. It aims to create reform momentum through providing successful models and developing new approaches to cooperation between VET schools, employers and the corresponding Ministry of Higher and Secondary Special Education as the competent ministry for the sector, with its Centre for Secondary Specialised and Vocational Education (CSSVE).

In phase I SDP has developed a practical and feasible public private partnership approach for vocational colleges and experts of industrial companies. The new training approach was not only adopted by the chosen vocational colleges but also by the Steering Committee of the Ministry of Higher and Secondary Specialised Education.

Expected Results of Phase II:

Implementation of the in depth model of cooperation with manufacturing enterprises in the profession originally chosen (Maintenance and Repair of Automated Systems) and in at least three neighbouring existing professions.
A total of 6 VET colleges act as regional competence centres and show cases.
A model similar to the existing one is developed and tested for cooperation with enterprise
Capacity development within CSSVE for enabling CSSVE to replicating models of in depth cooperation and new approaches to the VET system

The following activities are planned:

Adapting neighbouring occupations to the SDP approach needs: SDP will adapt curriculum materials of corresponding professions in a participatory way. This includes: curriculum adaptation, teacher training, regulations for internships (on-the-job training), equipping of colleges workshops, including training in small companies.
CSSVE Capacity Development, i.e. by SDP training activities for CSSVE staff, close cooperation in developing new approaches and asking for feedback on the processes and contents (inclusion), and by inviting CSSVE staff to participate in project activities and events. SDP offers support to CSSVE in all kind of activities where reforming and modernising the VET system is planned.

Services

In the framework of the project the team of consultants establishes a labour market analysis and proposes and selects new trades which are urgently needed in the Uzbek economy. In cooperation with the local partners for the selected new trades the project carries out the following activities:

development of curricula in accordance with international standards
elaboration of teaching and training material
design and implementation of teacher training programs
establishment of close links to the local economy and involvement of local enterprises to act as partners for the establishment of a dual system in VET in Uzbekistan
testing of developed curricula and materials in selected pilot schools in the selected regions
support to the introduction of the new curricula after successful testing in the region in all rayons of Uzbekistan
participatory standard setting
curriculum development for theoretical and practical college training as well as attachments in cooperating enterprises
development of teaching / learning aids
teacher further training focusing on modern teaching techniques,
college management training,
development of testing materials and participatory procedures
innovative certification procedures