Georgia: EU and UNDP conducts labour market research to boost reforms in vocational education and training

Among the main barriers to recruitment, Georgian employers cite a lack of professionalism and low motivation of job seekers. At the same time, 88% of companies say they do not cooperate with vocational colleges and training centres. Only 24% of employers said they had collaborated with vocational training institutions to offer students internships and on-the-job training opportunities.

These and other findings can be found in a labour market study published by the European Union and UNDP on 13 September.

The study, conducted by ACT Research Company in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia and the Skills Agency, focuses on the tourism and health/wellness sectors and covers 14 municipalities in five regions of Georgia (Adjara Autonomous Republic, Guria, Imereti, Kakheti, Racha-Lechkhumi Kvemo Svaneti).

The study provides information on the most in-demand professions and occupations, examines the professional qualifications needed in these market segments, analyses how existing vocational education and training programmes correspond to market demand, and assesses the prospects for introducing and developing new educational programmes. It also contains recommendations on how to develop cooperation between employers and educational institutions and how to make vocational education and training more responsive to the needs of young people, women, people with disabilities and members of ethnic minorities.

According to GEOSTAT, unemployment in Georgia averages around 18%, reaching 30% in some regions. In the age group of 15-29, the unemployment rate ranges from 28% to 50%. 

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Press release