The Rector of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Academician Jaba Samushia, opened the 2nd Vocational Education Conference organized by the Vocational Education Center, titled “Vocational Education in Georgia: Opportunities and Challenges.”

The conference is held annually and aims to discuss the importance of vocational education, its challenges, innovations, and career development opportunities.

“The development of vocational education is important for the country because this knowledge is oriented toward the labor market. Naturally, the representatives of various vocational institutions gathered at the conference discuss the existing problems in this field, the issues that must be addressed, and the opportunities that institutions should provide to students planning to complete vocational programs,” said Jaba Samushia.

At the event, welcome speeches were delivered by Tamar Kvinikadze, Head of the Vocational Education Development Department at the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia; Irine Margishvili, Head of the Vocational Skills Agency; Lasha Margishvili, Head of the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement; Kakhaber Cheishvili, Vice-Rector of TSU; and Levan Tsikaridze, Head of TSU’s Vocational Education Center.

Tamar Kvinikadze emphasized the importance of providing vocational education within the university environment, noting that students benefit not only from vocational training but also gain exposure to academic research and scientific fields. She also highlighted the significance of academic staff serving as vocational educators.

Lasha Margishvili stated that the topics discussed at the conference will significantly contribute to the development of vocational education and the further refinement of vocational programs.

“Vocational education is the cornerstone of the country’s development and economic growth. It must be easily accessible, adaptable to labor market demands, and continuously supported. Today’s event is precisely aimed at advancing vocational education,” said Irine Margishvili, Head of the Vocational Skills Agency.

Levan Tsikaridze, Head of TSU’s Vocational Education Center, noted that the conference creates a discussion space for all interested parties, including field experts, teachers, students, and graduates, to deliberate on the development of vocational education.

Beatrice Verdze, a TSU vocational student, remarked that the conference was interesting and informative, providing access to many innovations while helping students develop a wide range of skills.

It was decided that, starting next year, the conference will include international partners and representatives from foreign vocational institutions.

The 2nd Vocational Education Conference, “Vocational Education in Georgia: Opportunities and Challenges,” was attended by vocational students and graduates, teachers, administrative staff from various vocational institutions, and representatives of partner organizations from both Tbilisi and regional vocational schools. Conference participants delivered 26 presentations on current issues in the field.

As part of the event, an exhibition and sale of handmade items by TSU vocational student Elene Nino Maisuradze was held. 

TSU has been offering vocational education programs since 2007. Since 2019, the administration of these programs has been managed by TSU’s Vocational Education Center. Currently, the Center implements 16 vocational education programs in Tbilisi and Kutaisi, with nearly 400 students enrolled.