Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2006, published 96th ILC session (2007)

Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142) - Georgia (Ratification: 1993)

The Committee notes the Government’s report received in August 2005 and the information it contains on legislation and institutions concerned with the vocational guidance and vocational training field. It also takes note of a document suggesting a new approach to vocational training, designed in particular to strengthen links between vocational training and employment. Further to its previous request, the Committee asks the Government to supply supplementary information with regard to the following points.

1. Article 1, paragraphs 1 to 5, of the Convention. Close relationship with employment and equality of opportunity. The Committee notes that, according to the Government, there is still considerable disparity between employment supply and demand, both quantitively and qualitatively, which confirms the need to develop human resources and improve the vocational guidance and vocational training system. In this regard, the Government indicates that a project entitled Fundamental Principles of Vocational Education in Georgia, prepared with the active participation of state structures, workers’ and employers’ organizations and non-governmental organizations, forms part of this strategy for developing and improving the existing system. The project includes both vocational training and guidance and a career plan for students, as well as further training for adults. The Committee requests the Government to keep the ILO informed of progress in implementing this project and to continue to supply information on all the measures taken with a view to strengthening in practice the relationship between education, training and employment. The Committee also requests the Government to describe the measures taken to encourage women to develop and utilize their vocational skills in all branches of economic activity and at all levels of vocational qualification and responsibility. In addition, further to its previous comments, the Committee asks the Government to indicate whether the Bill on employment mentioned in its previous report which was designed to amend the Employment Act, 2001, is still under consideration. It also requests the Government to supply further information on the restrictions mentioned in article 3 of the Constitution pertaining to the right to education and vocational training.

2. Article 3(1) and Article 4. Information for vocational guidance and vocational further training. In reply to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government indicates that, with regard to information on employment, vocational guidance and training/retraining for handicapped persons, this type of information can be obtained through specialist establishments but is necessarily limited. With regard to further training, the Government indicates that, in addition to traditional training programmes, workers can increase their qualifications in specialized vocational training establishments or undergo retraining, at state expense for the unemployed. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide detailed information on the measures taken to ensure that comprehensive information and the broadest possible guidance are available to all children, young persons and adults, including programmes suitable for vulnerable categories of workers. The Committee also requests the Government to supply indications on the impact and progress made through vocational training systems designed to meet the needs of young persons and adults throughout their active lives.

3. Article 5. Cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Government indicates that, under Decree No. 90 of 27 May 2005, a governmental commission of the social partners in the field of vocational education consisting of representatives of the Government and the social partners, has been established. The Government also refers to a social partnership development plan in the field of education which envisages, in particular, collaboration of employers, trade unions and non-governmental organizations with the state structures in all stages of the reform of the vocational training system. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply additional information on the operation of the consultative machinery and would provide specific information on the consultations regarding the questions covered by the Convention.

4. Part VI of the report form. Practical application. The Committee has noted the statistics supplied by the Government on the number of students participating in various educational programmes and on the number of unemployed persons who have received training for the period 2003-04. The Committee requests the Government to continue to supply extracts of reports, studies and inquiries, allowing an appreciation of the effect given to the provisions of the Convention in practice.