On June 6-7, within the framework of the “Modernizing Vocational Education and Training in Agriculture in Armenia” (MAVETA) program, implemented by the “Strategic Development Agency” NGO, a meeting was held in Tsaghkadzor to establish and strengthen cooperation between employers and vocational educational institutions.

More than forty MAVETA project partners participated in this two-day workshop.

In his welcoming speech, Mkrtich Ayvazyan, the Chairman of the “Strategic Development Agency” NGO, emphasized the organization’s successful experience in collaborating with representatives of the private sector and vocational educational institutions. He expressed confidence that mutually beneficial relationships would be established with the new partners of the project.

The participants were also welcomed by Monique Frey, Senior VET Consultant from HEKS/EPER, who noted that the Swiss model, recognized for its effective use of state resources, has been integrated into the training program for future apprentices.

Lilit Hovhannisyan, MAVETA Project Manager, presented an overview of the project’s main achievements and upcoming actions from its start in 2022 to the present. She highlighted the main prerequisites for cooperation, the roles of colleges and the private sector, and their responsibilities in introducing professions with a dual educational approach.

Following this, a working discussion was held under the coordination of Narine Abrahamyan, the project’s Business Consultant. Employers and representatives of vocational educational institutions exchanged information about their activities.

Lilit Avetisyan, a representative of Goris State Agricultural College, provided information on the professions implemented with a dual educational approach for the 2023-2024 school year. She shared experiences, achievements, and challenges in establishing cooperation with partners.

On the second day, discussions continued in group work sessions, focusing on the needs for capacity development and improvements in collaboration between the private sector and colleges.

At the end of the workshop, Business Consultant Narine Abrahamyan and VET Consultant Lilit Beglaryan summarized the joint action plan for the 2024-2025 school year, outlining the professions to be introduced.

Within the framework of the “Modernizing Vocational Education and Training in Agriculture in Armenia” (MAVETA) project, the Strategic Development Agency (SDA) NGO organized a Career Promotion Day for pupils of Berd Community schools on May 17.

The Berd State Multifunctional College opened its doors to about two hundred school students. The attendees were welcomed by Lilit Hovhannisyan, the head of MAVETA project, Anna Avalyan, the director of the college and other participants of the event.

In her speech, Lilit Hovhannisyan mentioned that the cooperation with Berd State Multifunctional College, as a partner educational institution of the project, is exemplary and successful. Three specialties with a dual educational system are already available at the college: agricultural mechanization, milk and dairy products technology and veterinary medicine.

The director of the college, Anna Avalyan, in her speech emphasized that the efforts aimed at training high-quality specialists and improving the lives of students in the educational institution will continue from now on, which is a unique opportunity for applicants to get a quality education in the region.

The pupils had a tour at the college, got acquainted with the taught professions, participated in students’ practical classes, had interactive interactions with students and teachers, watched an animation film about the agricultural professions taught with a dual educational system.

At the end of the event, the college career officer and the students prepared a surprise for the pupils in the form of a game and gifts.