Reinforce the evidence-based policy-making for more targeted skills policy development
Make regular use of analytical tools such as tracer studies with graduates and employer surveys that would provide data for more robust planning and show if the training is relevant to the labour market.
The shift to more targeted policy-making will require capacity building with regards to data collection and analysis.
R.3
Raise the quality of skills provision by improving the conditions of professional staff working in VET
Improve and streamline the professional standards for VET teachers and masters and introduce career and professional development schemes for VET personnel.
Azerbaijan could consider allowing practitioners from the world of work to enter teaching without formal teaching qualifications. Furthermore, it is recommended to carry out activities to enhance the prestige of the teaching profession, including creation of a promotion and career development system. Sharing expertise and best practice among teaching personnel as well as companies needs to be further stimulated.
R.2
Improve the relevance of VET for human capital development through further private sector engagement
Apply a comprehensive and coherent approach to address this issue by fostering the conditions conducive to a multi-level and multi-stakeholder governance ecosystem that steers skills development to answer efficiently the real socio-economic needs and foster attractiveness for young people and enterprises.
The national authorities need to create incentives and dedicated policy mechanisms for the involvement of employers in the VET policy cycle. This should range from policy planning to implementation and monitoring, including development of VET standards and curricula in accordance with the real needs of the labour market as well as active participation in the governance of the VET system.
R.1
Improve the attractiveness of VET by prioritising it in all investments in human capital development
Review the VET financing system by diversifying its resources, developing a costing approach and improving the distribution of funds, their management and monitoring.
This will include establishment of the Vocational Education Development Fund, which will manage and allocate funds among VET institutions in a transparent manner. The planning should take into account the various sources of funds, both public and private (including VET private providers' and donors' contributions), in order to bridge the current gap between strategies and actual achievements, ensure more visibility and transparency, and make the policy more credible.
