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

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2018, published 108th ILC session (2019)

Article 1 of the Convention. Implementation of education and training policies and programmes. The Government reports that, in 2018, the Ministry of Education and Science presented a new draft law on vocational education and training to the Parliament of Georgia, aiming to expand the quality and efficiency of the national Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system. It further reports that, since 2013, multiple strategies and action plans have been developed and multiple programmes on vocational guidance and vocational training have been implemented nationwide to improve the TVET network and to provide high-quality training for all individuals. The Committee notes the establishment of a competence-based modular programme in the TVET system and the adoption of Minimal Standards for the improvement of TVET infrastructures. The Government reports that, since 2015, the State Programme for Professional Training and Retraining and Qualification Improvement for Jobseekers has been implemented to improve the competitiveness and employability of jobseekers. It further indicates that the programme is available to all citizens of Georgia who are older than 16 years of age and able to work, as well as to the stateless with official status in Georgia and persons with refugee or humanitarian status. In this regard, the Committee notes that, according to the statistics provided by the Government, from 2015 to 2017, 5,086 jobseekers were awarded educational vouchers, out of which 4,349 jobseekers completed a full course and 1,105 secured employment, including 33 persons with disabilities. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on developments in relation to the draft TVET legislation and to submit a copy to the Office upon its adoption. It also requests the Government to continue to provide detailed information, including updated statistical data disaggregated by age and sex, on the impact of the implementation of various policies and programmes on technical vocational guidance and vocational training. Please also indicate the manner in which it is ensured that these policies and programmes are linked with the national employment objectives and coordinated with the public employment services.

Article 5(1). Equal opportunities. The Committee notes with interest the vocational guidance and special vocational training measures developed which focus on persons with disabilities, as well as other disadvantaged groups. It further notes that the Government has adopted an inclusive vocational education policy to provide education and training for ethnic minorities and inmates in prison facilities. The Government reports that, based on principles of universal design and with assistance from the Norwegian Government, four buildings have been renovated fully adapted to accommodate persons with special education needs. It further indicates that, apart from infrastructural improvements, additional resources, such as sign-language teachers, orientation trainers, inclusive education teachers and assistants, are available in the colleges to support inclusive education. The Committee notes that, in 2017, support services were provided to 385 internally displaced persons (Tbilisi: 150; region: 235) and that 42 persons with disabilities were employed within the scope of the intermediary service for disadvantaged groups, namely in Tbilisi (13), in Adjara (15), in Shida Kartli (six), in Guria (three), in Kakheti (three) and in Imereti (two). It further notes that, since 2013, the Government has provided full funding for TVET and has created seven new colleges, adding ten new municipal locations to the existing network to extend TVET training availability to all groups, including women, young persons, ethnic minorities and disadvantaged groups in different economic sectors. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide up-to-date information, including statistics disaggregated by age and sex on the number of persons benefiting from the measures implemented to assist persons with disabilities as well as disadvantaged groups to develop and use their technical and vocational skills. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on any active measures taken or envisaged to ensure progress in the participation of women in the labour market, including an indication of the number of beneficiaries, the content and types of vocational training provided, an evaluation of the impact in terms of jobs occupied by women prior to, and following, their education and their participation in various training programmes.

Article 3. Information on vocational guidance and further vocational training. The Government reports that different activities and projects have been carried out between 2013 and 2018 by the Ministry of Education and Science (MES), aimed at making TVET more attractive, in particular for youngsters, and to increase awareness about the services available. In this regard, the Committee notes that, following the implementation of the Vocational Skills Development Programme, more than 3,000 pupils in 138 public schools were granted the opportunity to gain practical experience and form an opinion with regard to their future profession based on the courses provided. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated information on measures that have been taken to ensure that comprehensive information and the broadest possible guidance is available to all children, young persons and adults (Article 3(1)). Please also describe the type of information made available in the area of vocational guidance and the manner in which such information is kept up to date and supply specimens of the documentation (Article 3(2) and (3)).

Article 4. Extending the system of vocational training. The Government reports that, since 2014, a state programme for professional improvement of TVET teachers and instructors has been implemented and new authorization standards for TVET providers, as well as a new quality assurance system framework, in line with the European framework, were developed. It further notes that, in 2015, a concept on public–private partnership was adopted by the National Vocational Education Council (NVETC) and four new TVET providers were established: the Tbilisi Railway College, the Gudauri Adventure Tourism School, the Construction College in Zestaphoni and the Training Centre for Engineering at the Georgian Technical University (GTU). The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on measures taken to extend, maintain and constantly improve a coordinated system of vocational training to cover fields of economic activity not previously within their scope and to ensure that they are adapted to the changing requirements of individuals throughout their lives, as well as to the needs of the economy and of the different economic sectors.

Article 5. Cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Government reports that, in 2015, the NVETC structure changed from a tripartite to a quadripartite system through the inclusion of civil society organizations. The Committee notes that summary conferences to provide for closer cooperation with the social partners are held annually and representatives of the European Union Delegation to Georgia, the Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia, the Social Service Agency, employers’ associations, trade unions, international organizations, private colleges associations, businesses and other partner agencies are invited to participate. The Committee requests the Government to provide in its next report examples of the manner in which the cooperation of employers’ and workers’ organizations and, where applicable, other interested bodies is ensured in the formulation and implementation of vocational guidance and vocational training policies and programmes within the new NVETC structure.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2013, published 103rd ILC session (2014)

Article 1 of the Convention. Implementation of education and training policies and programmes. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in September 2013 which includes information in reply to the previous direct request. The Committee notes that a draft of Vocational Education Strategy and Action Plan 2013–20 is being considered with the overall objective to support the government priorities regarding the country’s socio-economic development and poverty reduction for the next decade, through the creation of a nationwide flexible vocational education and training (VET) network which promotes high quality management and technical skills and opportunities for all individuals. The Committee takes note of the different activities and projects carried out between 2010 and 2012 by the Ministry of Education and Science (MES) aimed at creating a modern educational infrastructure in vocational colleges and developing high-quality training material. The Government indicates that the MES was assisted and financially supported by numerous national and international organizations, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the European Union and the Norway Refugee Council (NRC). The Government further informs on activities of the MES on strengthening teachers’ skills in vocational education since 2010. The Committee invites the Government to include in its next report information on the policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training, such as the Vocational Education Strategy and Action Plan for the period 2013–20, including information on their implementation and outcomes. It also invites the Government to describe the way in which effective coordination is assured between the Vocational Education Strategy and employment policies and public employment services. Please also include extracts from reports, studies and inquiries and statistical data relating to the matters covered by the Convention (Part VI of the report form).

Articles 3(1) and (4). Information of vocational guidance and vocational further training. The Government indicates that in the context of the Vocational Education Strategy, 1,633 people have participated in the MES state-funded training and retraining programme for vulnerable groups. One example is the “Education for Democracy” training and re-training programme, which retrained 754 refugees in eight vocational colleges in 2010. In 2011, the MES carried out an information campaign to raise vocational education awareness and created a webpage to make information on the programmes provided by public educational institutions available for everyone. Moreover, three free-of-charge information centres were established across the country in Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Kobuleti with the purpose of providing information on vocational education programmes and registering applicants in the database. The Government indicates that the UNDP project on increasing gender equality in Georgia is being implemented since 2012 at the community college AISI and aims to match the labour market requirements in five municipalities of the Kakheti region. The Committee refers to its comments on the application of the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122), in which it noted the high level of unemployment of young persons. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide, in its next report on Convention No. 142, examples of programmes aiming at ensuring that comprehensive information and the broadest possible guidance are available to all, including young persons. The Committee also requests the Government to indicate the progress made in extending its vocational training system to meet the needs for vocational training throughout life of both young persons and adults in all sectors of the economy.

Article 5. Cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Government reports that in 2009 the vocational education state agencies, employers, trade unions and non-governmental organizations constituted the National Professional Council. The Council aims at elaborating proposals and conclusions regarding the vocational education reform, strategies and action plans. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report information on the cooperation of employers’ and workers’ organizations and other interested bodies in the formulation and implementation of vocational guidance and vocational training policies and programmes, including within the framework of the National Professional Council.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2009, published 99th ILC session (2010)

The Committee notes the Government’s report received in September 2008 and the information it contains on legislation and new programmes launched. Further to its previous request, the Committee asks the Government to supply supplementary information with regard to the following points.

1. Article 1 of the Convention. Implementation of education and training policies and programmes. The Committee notes that the National Professional Agency, as the body responsible for the creation of comprehensive systems of vocational education and training qualifications, has developed 34 study programmes based on modern demands of the labour market. It further notes that in order to reduce structural unemployment, the Government has launched the Development of Professional Training Infrastructure Programme and, between December 2007 and April 2008, has carried out the Vocational Training and Retraining Programme. Under the Development of Professional Training Infrastructure Programme, which is implemented in cooperation with the public and private sectors, the Government aims to establish 50 professional centres nationwide to improve the infrastructure for professional education and to adjust training to market conditions. Under the Vocational Training and Retraining Programme, registered unemployed persons received a three-month paid vocational training in private or municipal training. The Committee asks the Government to include in its next report information on the implementation of the Development of Professional Training Infrastructure Programme and to continue to supply information on measures taken with a view to strengthening, in practice, the relationship between education, training and employment.

2. Articles 3, paragraph 1, and 4. Information for vocational guidance and vocational further training. In reply to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government indicates that under the Vocational Training and Retraining Programme access to information on employment, vocational guidance and training/retraining has been improved and now includes online resources, brochures, a telephone hotline and newly established special information centres. The Committee further notes that 65 per cent of the participants in measures offered as part of the Vocational Training and Retraining Programme were women. The Committee asks 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, and on the new programmes aimed at the promotion of vulnerable categories of workers. The Committee also asks the Government to supply indications as to the impact of these measures and as to progress made through vocational training in meeting the needs for vocational training throughout life of both young persons and adults.

3. Article 5. Cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Government indicates that a consultative body of the National Professional Agency, comprising leaders of the Employers’ Association of Georgia and the Georgian Trade Unions Confederation, is to be established. The Committee further asks the Government to keep it updated on the establishment of the consultative body and to provide specific information on the consultations regarding the questions covered by the Convention.

4. Part VI of the report form. Practical application. The Committee notes that more than 113,800 persons participated in training measures under the Vocational Training and Retraining Programme and that the number of women has increased by seven percentage points as compared to 2006. The Committee asks the Government to continue to supply further comprehensive information, allowing an appreciation of the effect given to the provisions of the Convention in practice.

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

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.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2004, published 93rd ILC session (2005)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its 2003 direct request, which read as follows:

1. The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s detailed first report, received in the Office in March 2001. It also notes that various actions are envisaged under the programme of cooperation between the ILO and Georgia for 2002-03 (for instance, the creation of modern occupational standards and the elaboration of the programmes for vocational training and retraining according to these standards, support for the development of vocational training and retraining and the establishment of internationally accepted mechanisms of occupational skills and qualification certification). It refers to its comment on the application of Convention No. 122 and would appreciate receiving further information on the following points.

2. Article 1, paragraph 1, of the Convention. The Committee notes that the Employment Act closely links education and training with employment objectives. However, the Government indicates that the link with employment promotion is weak in practice, due to the weakness of the economy. The Government adds that a Bill on employment has been prepared, which will include provisions on monitoring the labour market. The Committee would appreciate receiving a copy of this legislation, once enacted, and further information on other measures taken to strengthen in practice the link between education and training and employment, in particular through employment services.

3. Article 1, paragraph 5. The Committee notes the guarantees of equal access provided in article 5 of the Constitution, but that article 3 permits restrictions on the right to education and vocational training "in cases provided by legislation". It would appreciate receiving further information on these restrictions permitted by the national legislation. Please also refer to the comments formulated on the application of Convention No. 111.

4. Article 3, paragraph 1, and Article 4. Please provide further information in relation to vocational training offered to persons with disabilities and other vulnerable categories of workers such as "young persons, mothers having many children, internally displaced persons, invalids, officers retired in connection with reductions in the number of armed forces", mentioned among the national priorities in the ILO-Georgia Programme of Cooperation for 2002-03. Please also provide information on continued access to education and training for adults in employment.

5. Article 5. The Committee notes that a standing tripartite commission has been established for cooperation on employment-related issues, including qualification levels, training and retraining, and that a tripartite Coordination Council for Employment Assistance also exists for more general labour market policies. The Government reports on a draft law that would establish tripartite consultation at the local level. The Committee requests further information on whether cooperation also exists for the implementation and review of programmes and on consultations at the local level on the matters covered by the Convention.

6. Parts V and VI of the report form. The Committee notes the statistics provided by the Government on the number of participants in education and training in various programmes. It would appreciate receiving information on the action taken in the matters covered by the Convention as a result of the programme of cooperation between the ILO and Georgia for 2002-03 and, if available, statistics disaggregated by gender, race, ethnicity, disability and other relevant categories.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2003, published 92nd ILC session (2004)

1. The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s detailed first report, received in the Office in March 2001. It also notes that various actions are envisaged under the programme of cooperation between the ILO and Georgia for 2002-03 (for instance, the creation of modern occupational standards and the elaboration of the programmes for vocational training and retraining according to these standards, support for the development of vocational training and retraining and the establishment of internationally accepted mechanisms of occupational skills and qualification certification). It refers to its comment on the application of Convention No. 122 and would appreciate receiving further information on the following points.

2. Article 1, paragraph 1, of the Convention. The Committee notes that the Employment Act closely links education and training with employment objectives. However, the Government indicates that the link with employment promotion is weak in practice, due to the weakness of the economy. The Government adds that a Bill on employment has been prepared, which will include provisions on monitoring the labour market. The Committee would appreciate receiving a copy of this legislation, once enacted, and further information on other measures taken to strengthen in practice the link between education and training and employment, in particular through employment services.

3. Article 1, paragraph 5. The Committee notes the guarantees of equal access provided in article 5 of the Constitution, but that article 3 permits restrictions on the right to education and vocational training "in cases provided by legislation". It would appreciate receiving further information on these restrictions permitted by the national legislation. Please also refer to the comments formulated on the application of Convention No. 111.

4. Article 3, paragraph 1, and Article 4. Please provide further information in relation to vocational training offered to persons with disabilities and other vulnerable categories of workers such as "young persons, mothers having many children, internally displaced persons, invalids, officers retired in connection with reductions in the number of armed forces", mentioned among the national priorities in the ILO-Georgia Programme of Cooperation for 2002-03. Please also provide information on continued access to education and training for adults in employment.

5. Article 5. The Committee notes that a standing tripartite commission has been established for cooperation on employment-related issues, including qualification levels, training and retraining, and that a tripartite Coordination Council for Employment Assistance also exists for more general labour market policies. The Government reports on a draft law that would establish tripartite consultation at the local level. The Committee requests further information on whether cooperation also exists for the implementation and review of programmes and on consultations at the local level on the matters covered by the Convention.

6. Parts V and VI of the report form. The Committee notes the statistics provided by the Government on the number of participants in education and training in various programmes. It would appreciate receiving information on the action taken in the matters covered by the Convention as a result of the programme of cooperation between the ILO and Georgia for 2002-03 and, if available, statistics disaggregated by gender, race, ethnicity, disability and other relevant categories.