Uzbekistan is preparing to give private business a larger role in vocational education as it seeks to close the skills gap in construction, manufacturing and logistics. The initiative was announced on November 2 at a meeting on labour migration, where the country’s leadership also outlined plans to involve international recruitment companies in placing Uzbek citizens in jobs abroad.
Business to take over vocational colleges
Demand for qualified workers is rising both inside Uzbekistan and on international labour markets, but the existing training system does not yet fully match employers’ requirements. To address the mismatch, entrepreneurs are expected to play a more active role in managing technical colleges and in shaping their training programmes.
Under the proposed model, two or three technical colleges in each Uzbek region will be transferred to the management of major businesses for a period of 15 years. The institutions are expected to train at least 30,000 specialists annually, with an emphasis on graduates who can begin working immediately after completing their studies. Students will receive state-recognised qualification certificates.
Industry-led training model
The Tashkent Pipe Plant in the capital’s Sergeli district was cited as a practical example. The company has proposed involving its own master craftsmen in the annual training of 2,500 welders, electricians and fitters.
The plans also envisage direct cooperation between Uzbek educational institutions and foreign companies. Alongside improving the supply of workers for domestic industry, this approach is intended to make Uzbek specialists more competitive when applying for jobs abroad, with international recruitment firms expected to support their placement.
For international companies in construction, manufacturing, logistics, architecture and related design and interior industries, the initiative could create more reliable access to locally trained personnel and new channels for cooperation with vocational colleges. Its effectiveness will depend on how consistently businesses participate in curriculum design, practical training and certification, as well as on the ability of the new system to meet both domestic production needs and international labour standards.
