The “Modernizing Vocational Education and Training in Agriculture in Armenia” (MAVETA) project was launched in December 2021 with an inception phase, which was successfully completed in 2022. The first main implementation phase was carried out from 2022 to 2025, while the second phase commenced in December 2025 and will continue until 2028.
The MAVETA project aims to improve the knowledge and skills of female and male professionals, students, and graduates working in agriculture and related sectors, thereby contributing to their sustainable and inclusive professional development, increased incomes, and enhanced opportunities for self-employment and employment. The project also supports the development of the Vocational Education and Training (VET) system by promoting effective public-private collaboration and fostering skills development aligned with labor market needs.
The project pursues three main outcomes:
- Public institutions provide the legal and regulatory framework necessary for establishing an effective and functional VET system based on the new VET Law.
- VET governance bodies and private sector organizations share responsibility for the provision and development of VET services.
- The private sector and colleges jointly provide improved skills and qualifications for female and male VET students, graduates, and professionals.
The project is implemented in Yerevan and across most regions of Armenia, including Syunik, Lori, Tavush, Armavir, Ararat, Kotayk, Gegharkunik, and Vayots Dzor.
MAVETA cooperates with the following VET institutions:
- Goris State Multifunctional College
- A. Kochinyan Agricultural College of the Armenian National Agrarian University (ANAU)
- ANAU Sisian Branch
- Stepanavan State Agricultural College
- Berd State Multifunctional College
- Ejmiatsin State Vocational School
- Ararat Regional State College
- Vayots Dzor Regional State College
- Armavir Regional State College
- Gavar State Agricultural College
- Kotayk Regional State College
- Noyemberyan State College
The project supports the development of the following occupational fields and study programs: Veterinary Medicine, Milk and Dairy Technology, Farm Management, Agricultural Mechanization, Horticulture, Installation and Operation of Drip Irrigation Systems, Greenhouse Management, and Cold Storage Management.
The project plans to cooperate with around 90 private sector partners operating in the agricultural sector to strengthen linkages between the VET system and the labor market, as well as to promote demand-driven skills development.
The MAVETA project is financed by a broad coalition of international and local organisations led by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), including the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Austrian Development Agency and the Government of Armenia.
The project’s implementing partners are the GIZ and SDA and the School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences at the Bern University of Applied Sciences (HAFL).