Amendments Ahead for the Law on Vocational Education

Vocational Education is growing in popularity in Georgia, bringing it in line with Europe’s modern models, primarily those tried and tested in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.  New amendments are to be introduced which are designed to create a new system of vocational education.

In particular, the following changes will be carried out:

• Firstly, the integration of the middle level general education into the vocational education: an opportunity will be provided to receive an academic certificate and advance from vocational education to the level of higher education.
• The amendments allow for validating vocational education credits at the level of higher education.
• A form of dual education based on apprenticeship will be defined and prioritized.
• The amendments also offer opportunities for implementing joint and exchange programs. 
• A system of vocational training and retraining will be established, and diverse educational programs will be carried out for both youth and adults, with the goal in the former case being to award qualification and, in the latter case, the development of individual competences, enhancement of knowledge, retraining, etc.
• Systemic approaches for inclusive education will be introduced.
• State-run schools of vocational education will be authorized to implement economic activities, including sell products/services developed in the process of learning, which is also very important.
• A system for teachers’ training and career advancement will be established.
• Opportunities for the recognition of informal and formal education will be created, which is very important.

The draft law is in full accordance with European standards, including the obligations under the Association Agreement.