Within the framework of the Modernizing Vocational Education and Training in Agriculture in Armenia (MAVETA) project, a study visit to Switzerland was organized on 16-22 March for private sector representatives. The initiative was led by the School of Agricultural, Forestry, and Food Sciences at the Bern University of Applied Sciences (HAFL).
The week-long visit aimed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of dual vocational education and training (VET) while enhancing their skills as instructors in training processes and qualification assessments.
Armenian farmers, agricultural mechanization specialists, and veterinarians, accompanied by HAFL researchers Johannes Brunner and Sven Nagel, had the opportunity to observe apprentices at work on farms and in agricultural companies. They also explored teaching methodologies, training materials, and best practices for instructing apprentices. Additionally, the visit facilitated experience-sharing with Swiss experts across various professional fields, helping participants draw valuable insights for implementing dual VET in Armenian companies and colleges.
The MAVETA project is funded by a broad coalition of international and local organizations led by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), including the Austrian Development Agency, the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Government of Armenia, the Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER) NGO, Izmirlian Foundation, the Strategic Development Agency (SDA) NGO and Vanand Agro CJSC.
The project’s implementing partners are the GIZ and HEKS/EPER with the involvement of SDA and the School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences at the Bern University of Applied Sciences (HAFL).