Sector Skills Councils in Azerbaijan

Sector Skills Councils in Azerbaijan: Reviewing Structures for Social Partnerships for Initial and Continuing VET Training

A discussion paper exploring policy options for the piloting of Sectoral Skills Councils in Azerbaijan, including success factors and recommended ways forward.

Short description of content:

Since 2012 the ETF has focused on the promotion of social partnership as a way of enhancing continuing VET in the countries of Eastern Europe. This report describes work carried out in Azerbaijan to establish Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) as a way of formalising regular dialogue between the labour market and actors involved in both initial and continuing vocational education and training (IVET and CVET).

This work took place at a time when the Government was developing a new vision for VET, with the intention of putting greater emphasis on its role in the economy. As a result of this there emerged a need to develop new legislation for the VET sector. Other ongoing initiatives, including projects to develop Improved Occupational Standards and related Relevant Training Standards, had already created some momentum for reform and provided a platform on which to build further initiatives.

This discussion paper focuses on work carried out in Azerbaijan on the introduction of Sectoral Skills Councils in three sectors, namely: manufacturing, tourism and agro-food. It provides important background on the country’s economy and society, as well as a brief overview of institutional settings for VET in Azerbaijan. Also described is the potential role for social partnerships and key actors such as ‘ASK’ (the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs’ Organizations of Azerbaijan), the Azerbaijan Tourism Association, major business groups such as AZERSUN Holding and various trade union organisations. The paper discusses possible appropriate typologies for SSCs, and explores options related to SSCs’ membership, status and the organisation of their work. It illustrates the available choices based on case studies from other countries such as Turkey, Georgia, Croatia and Estonia. The paper concludes with a set of seven recommended measures for piloting SSCs in Azerbaijan.

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