Support to VET Reforms in Uzbekistan (VET4UZ)

Target groups:

• Private sector and employers
• Public Sector Institutions (MHESI, IVETD, MEPR, MPSE)
• Formal VET providers (professional schools, colleges, technicums)

Beneficiaries:

Under- and unemployed youth aged 15–29 and secondary school students in public VET institutions, with targeted outreach to women and disadvantaged groups.

*Employers, business associations, and VET governance bodies benefit indirectly through stronger mandates and improved capacities.

Outcome 1: Employers and business associations play an increasingly active role in the implementation of dual VET system reforms.

Outcome 2: IVETD and VET providers ensure quality and relevance in VET through improved training delivery and a capacitated teacher workforce.

Risultati principali attesi:  

Output 1.1: Private sector engagement in VET governance and reform is institutionalized.

Output 1.2: Employer-driven dual VET delivery and curriculum co-creation are established and fully operational.

Output 1.3: Evidence-based learning and policy influence are institutionalized.

Output 2.1: IVETD provides comprehensive development and support for teachers in implementation of competency-based training.

Output 2.2: Stakeholder-driven quality assurance is embedded across school- and company-based training.

Risultati fasi precedenti:  

Phase I showed that Uzbekistan’s VET reform requires:

• National ownership rather than project-led pilots.
• Clear governance roles 
• Scalable models, especially for teacher training and workplace learning.
• Evidence-based decision-making to navigate rapid reforms.
• Stable employer engagement mechanisms, not one-off consultations.
• Quality assurance tools embedded institutionally, not delivered externally.

These lessons directly shape Phase II.

• With SKILL-UP (SDC) - joint advocacy, synergy for stronger system linkages, support in VET reforms.
• TexVET-GIZ (BMZ) and UNESCO (EU).

Fase 2 01.01.2026 - 31.12.2029   (Active)