Tashkent, December 8, 2024 – The Europe Today: An extended meeting chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was held to discuss measures aimed at training the population in sought-after professions and ensuring access to high-paying jobs. The issue of workforce development remains a priority within the country’s social policy, as the need for qualified professionals continues to grow, particularly in the context of economic globalization.
During the meeting, key aspects of the training and development of specialists were thoroughly analyzed, with current tasks identified. Over the past five years, significant investments have been made in the industrial sector, including $24 billion worth of equipment imports, the creation of 63,000 new capacities, and the generation of 1.5 million permanent jobs. However, more than 200,000 skilled specialists are needed across various sectors of the economy.
The ongoing expansion of industries will require an additional 500,000 specialists in the next three years as part of investment programs. These new positions will involve the operation of modern equipment and advanced technologies. A notable success has been Uzbekistan’s cooperation between technical schools and manufacturing enterprises to implement a dual education system. Noteworthy examples include the Asaka Transport and Mechanical Engineering Technical School, the Bukhara Technical School of Energy, Oil and Gas, the Shirin Energy Technical School, and others in Guzar and Shakhrisabz, which work closely with local and international companies to train specialists.
The meeting emphasized the importance of supporting private enterprises in this process and creating attractive conditions to expand dual education programs. As part of this effort, 14 technical schools have already partnered with Germany to offer training in popular professions and the German language. Regional leaders and industry heads were instructed to introduce similar models in at least five regional technical schools.
The President also highlighted the necessity of foreign language proficiency, particularly in mastering modern professions. As a result, instructions were given to increase the availability of language classes in schools and vocational centers and to attract foreign teachers to technical schools.
Further attention was given to enhancing the quality of training at 65 professional centers under the Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction. Efforts will be made to equip these centers with the necessary technology for training in demand-driven professions. The training programs at 13 construction vocational centers will also be aligned with labor market needs. Additionally, the recruitment system will be digitalized, aiming to train up to 20,000 specialists annually.
In line with international standards, the issuance of globally recognized certificates will be organized for individuals who master a profession, either independently or as apprentices. To facilitate this, five centers for professional skills assessment will be established in various regions.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was instructed to streamline the visa process for citizens of countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Slovakia, Australia, and New Zealand who wish to pursue education, improve qualifications, or work in modern enterprises abroad. In response to the growing demand for programs like “Work and Travel” in developed countries, the Youth Affairs Agency will begin providing loans to students for travel expenses starting next year.
The meeting also underscored the need to strengthen ties with compatriots working abroad, ensuring they have access to high-paying jobs and receive adequate social and legal support.
Reports were heard from responsible officials, and specific tasks were assigned to train the unemployed in high-demand professions and to secure employment opportunities for citizens returning from abroad.
