A conference on ‘Development Path of Vocational Education in Azerbaijan for a Strong Economy: A Vision for the Future’ has been held

A conference dedicated to "The Development Path of Vocational Education in Azerbaijan for a Strong Economy: A Vision for the Future" has taken place in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev, jointly organized by the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the State Agency for Vocational Education.

Minister of Science and Education Emin Amrullayev, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Protection of Population Anar Aliyev, state officials and members of parliament have attended the conference.

Minister Emin Amrullayev has made an opening speech at the event, adressing key issues such as the expansion of vocational education, the transition to per capita financing, the construction of new vocational education institutions and the preparation of programs.

The event proceeded with panel discussions.

Speaking at the opening panel entitled ‘The Great Return: New Economic Realities and Changing Requirements of the Labour Market’, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Protection of Population Anar Aliyev has highlighted that the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population has developed occupational and qualification standards. He has emphasized the collaboration with approximately 130 private vocational education institutions within the framework of vocational training programs implemented by the Ministry.

The second panel of the conference was devoted to the topic ‘Labour Market Needs: Changing Requirements in the Digitalized World’. Within the scope of the panel, Mustafa Abbasbeyli, the Chairperson of the Board of the Public Employment Agency, and Elnur Safarli, the Chairperson of the Board of the National Observatory under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population, have made speeches.

Mustafa Abbasbeyli has said that one of the main problems of the labour market in Azerbaijan today is the mismatch between the occupations and qualifications of the unemployed and job seekers and the available vacancies. Referring to the innovative solutions and projects implemented to ensure employment, the head of the Agency has provided information about the ‘Labour and Employment’ subsystem (ƏMAS) used for the digitalization of the labour market. He has stated that the platform made it possible to eliminate the burden of personnel records management, and transfer labour contracts from traditional paper format to an electronic platform.

Speaking about the future development trends of the labour market, Elnur Safarlı has introduced the participants to the results of the analysis conducted by the institution. He has said that technological changes and urbanization cause structural changes in the labour market, megatrends reflect the employers’ demands for labour force, and the improvements needed regarding vocational education.

Throughout the conference, speakers have provided answers to questions from the audience.