Regional and structural disparities in the oil-rich country's economy underpin new road map for the development of vocational education and training (VET) in South Caucasian country.
Azerbaijan is implementing an ambitious programme to develop and expand training opportunities for both young people and older people to tackle major disparities in its economy and labour market. In a country where oil revenues cover around half of all state budgets and wealth creation in concentrated in the capital Baku (5 percent of the country's territory; 75 percent of its GDP), addresses future training needs is a pressing issue.
Challenging statistics
Rising numbers of young people - with 15-29 year olds expected to account for up to a fifth of the working population by 2030 - combined with a lack of sufficient support for VET in the past, need to be addressed if Azerbaijan is successfully navigate the coming decade.
Although unemployment is relatively low - it has declined to around 5% for the entire labour market (13% for 15-24) since 2010 - more than half of all workers (55%) are in vulnerable employment such as agriculture or informal work. There are significant skills gaps in quantity of trained workers, quality and expectations and low levels of VET enrolment: just 14.5% of upper secondary students are in vocational training (EU average, 47.8%). In PISA reading, maths and science scores Azerbaijan lags far behind the EU average (with figures available only for Baku, where most quality education is based.)
Road map
It is against this background, identified in detail in recent Torino Process country reports - the European Training Foundation's evidence-based tool for analysing progress in a country's VET and labour market policy reforms - that Azerbaijan has developed a Road Map for VET.
Based on an incremental model with visions for 2020, 2025 and beyond, the aim is "to build an internationally recognised VET system that involves talented youth and equips priority sectors with an innovative workforce with high labour productivity," an ETF note on good practices in Eastern Partnership countries states.
During phase one, which runs through this year, VET optimisation - including staff training, the development of new curricula and occupational standards - have been prioritised under a new VET law. Rationalisation of the network of VET schools has involved establishing bigger urban centres before rolling out the programme to the regions. Active dialogue with private sector companies is supported as a key part of the road map.
Over the next five years, through 2025, the plan is that the VET system in Azerbaijan will become fully functional, "training a qualified workforce based on occupational standards in close cooperation with companies." Access to higher education for the best VET graduates will be eased and VET qualifications will gradually become mandatory for the employment of skilled workers.
After 2025 it is foreseen that VET enrolment will be greatly expanded and "more and more students will find employment in the enterprises where they have done part of their training." Employers will participate in all aspects of VET.
Further steps
ETF Torino Process analysis suggests a number of other recommended measures, including expanding adult education opportunities and the collection of evidence of participation in adult education.
Better career guidance and improved conditions for VET teachers are also stressed.
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