The EU in Azerbaijan: Skills for the future

In the fast-changing world of work, investing in skills, education and training is a top priority. European Training Foundation experts joined policymakers, EU officials and other high-level delegates in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic to discuss the future of skills and vocational education on 1 May.

The Sharing Experiences for Improved Economic Growth and Competitiveness was the first workshop of its kind to be held in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Mammad Garibov, Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic Minister of Education, and Kestutis Jankauskas, EU Ambassador and Head of Delegation to Azerbaijan, will open the event.

Forty high-level delegates from Nakhchivan and the Azerbaijan government, the State Agency of Vocational Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, leading local employers, experts in vocational education and key international stakeholders joined the workshop, which forms part of a major programme of EU support to Azerbaijan’s education and training reform.

Participants explored the challenges and opportunities of getting the right skills in the right place, current and planned activities in the framework of the Strategic Roadmap for VET in Azerbaijan, and the range of related EU support initiatives. Delegates also visited a local vocational school to see innovative practice in action.

ETF Head of Operations Anastasia Fetsi says ‘We are delighted to be working alongside our partners in the Azerbaijan policy making community and in the EU Delegation on this important conference.’ ‘Investment in education and training is one of the major priorities for jobs, growth and competitiveness, and the involvement of state and regional government, social partners, and leaders from the VET sector is proof of the commitment Azerbaijan is making to the future of its people.’

Ms Fetsi addressed the question of innovation and competitiveness at the event, and Margareta Nikolovska, ETF Country Desk Manager for Azerbaijan, led a discussion on lifelong learning, sharing examples and case studies from EU Member States.