Training for Staff of the Ministry of Education and Science and Adult Education Coordinators of the Vocational Colleges in Georgia

On May 21-23, within the framework of the DVV International Georgia Country Office project, a 3-day intensive training for staff of the Adult Education Division under the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia and Adult Education coordinators of the vocational colleges in Georgia was held in Kazbegi.

In total, 20 persons participated in the training led by Ms. Iluta Krumina, European Expert on Adult Education and Chairman of the Board of the Latvian Adult Education Association and Ms. Irma Kortua, Georgian Expert on Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Trainer in Carrier and Personal Development.

Training topics were identified through a needs assessment conducted with participants before the training. The agenda of the training included the following issues: analyse of the local job market and relevance of education programmes for adults to frequently changed labour market requirements; planning and implementation of information campaigns for the popularisation of AE programmes; cooperation with the private sector to increase the input of AE programmes; social partnership and its role in the development of Adult Education; current international developments in formal and non-formal Adult Education and Learning.

"It is important for representatives of the Ministry and vocational colleges to have the ability to analyse the labour market to offer courses and programmes to adults. It significantly increases the employment rates. It is also essential to involve the private sector in planning, implementing, and to evaluate programmes to develop the competencies the labour market needs. We agreed that I would consult them after they practise various research methods in their everyday work," - said Irma Kortua.

The trainers noted the participants' active involvement, motivation, and ability to absorb new information quickly. From their side, the participants mentioned that they would use the skills acquired during the practice training, and this would increase the effectiveness of their programmes for adults.