Water Management Skills Development in Uzbekistan

Progetto concluso
A teacher and three apprentices standing in front of an electrical panel
Practical training within the "Water Management Skills Development Project" in Andijan. © SCO Tashkent SDC

The project focuses on professional colleges in rural areas of Andijan, Namangan, Fergana and Tashkent provinces. Approximately 1500 pupils participated in the new educational programme, enabling them to meet the requirements of the labour market and learn about new technological standards. At a later stage and based on the results of the experience gained at the 11 colleges, the programme will be introduced at a further 200 colleges throughout the country.

Paese/Regione Tema Periodo Budget
Uzbekistan
Formazione professionale
Istruzione
Agricoltura e sicurezza alimentare
Formazione professionale
Politica dell'istruzione
Risorse idriche in agricoltura
01.01.2011 - 28.02.2015
CHF  3’860’000

Design of a mutually beneficial scheme for cooperation

Each vocational college has established a vocational education and training (VET) cooperation network with water sector enterprises. The project is developing a mutually beneficial scheme for cooperation between vocational colleges and water management bodies, sites and companies. This scheme is based on contractual arrangements between colleges and water management enterprises for the practical training of students, the further training of teachers, the cooperation at regional competence centres and in the development of joint standards, curricula and study materials.

Improvement of standards and curricula

Four occupational standards have been developed that respond to the requirements for current and future water-management professions. The curricula were modernized and oriented towards labour market education and training needs with the goal of increasing practical training by up to 50%. The following trades will benefit from the new standards and curricula:

  • Master for water/gas supply and sewerage systems
  • Master for irrigation technology operations and maintenance
  • Master for reclamation of irrigated land
  • Master for installation, repair and maintenance of automated water management facilities

Advanced training

The pilot colleges’ principals, their deputies, teachers of specialised subjects and industrial training masters also benefitted from various training courses: on water-facilities management, methodical practice, improvement of language skills, curriculum and standards development and general management skills. Leading specialists of the water enterprises and facilities were trained to organise and accompany in-company training to qualify them for their new roles in modern VET for the water sector.

Establishing regional competence centres

Almost all pilot colleges of the project have begun establishing regional competence centres. These centres will offer training courses for staff of water-management enterprises, water-users associations and private companies involved in operation, maintenance and repair. Unemployed people who want to work in the water sector will also benefit from training offered at the centres. The courses are designed by national and international experts and approved by the Ministry of Labour. In the future they could be offered countrywide. Currently, the training takes place at pilot colleges and at work places in companies and water-management enterprises.