The UNDP “Youth Employment” project keeps investing in the establishment of new educational workshops to enhance competency-based education in Armenia’s vocational education and training institutions (VETIs). The project dedicated to advancing practical skills development and improving youth employability in the regional labor markets successfully established four new professional laboratories in four regional VETIs in 2024.

The project operating in Gegharkunik, Syunik, and Kotayk regions has renovated and set up modern laboratories and furnished educational equipment in Vardenis State College (Gegharkunik region), Sisian State College (Syunik region), Abovyan Energy Power State College and Abovyan Multifunction State College  (Kotayk region).   

Vardenis State College featuring state-of-the-art welding tools and accessories opens the doors to welding technicians. The project has also fully renovated a conference hall for the college’s educational events, meetings, and celebrations for about 250 students. 

Sisian State College now has a newly renovated classroom for a car-driving simulation, offering advanced training to acquire practical driving skills and knowledge in different modes of transportation. 

Solar Energy Laboratory set at the Abovyan Energy Power State College equipped with photovoltaic training benches and new educational furniture to boost green energy education. This laboratory was renovated with support of the UNDP Sustainable Communities Programme.  

The newly established sewing laboratory at the premises of the Abovyan Multifunctional State College is outfitted with different types of modern sewing machines and all the necessary equipment and furniture to train students in the textile and fashion industries.

The introduction of these modern workshops aims to improve the quality of professional education by focusing on the acquisition of practical, industry-relevant skills. By providing hands-on training in the growing sections of the economy, the project supports VET graduates in gaining better job opportunities within local and regional labor markets.

In addition to the newly established VETIs’ workshops, the project has also made significant strides in promoting the digital agenda of Armenia's VET sector. In response to a request from the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports, the project supplied the National Center for VET Development (NCVETD) with a server and relevant IT equipment. This technological upgrade enables the NCVETD to upload, share, and exchange a wide range of global educational resources, teaching materials, education standards, modular programs, manuals, and textbooks. This will facilitate knowledge-sharing among all VETIs, making critical educational content more accessible and useful for building modern, market-driven skills aimed at improving employability of VET graduates.

This comprehensive approach demonstrates the project’s commitment to enhancing the VET quality, ensuring that the VET sector aligns with both regional workforce demands and global educational standards.

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The "Unleashing Employment and Income Generating Opportunities for Youth in the Regions of Armenia" project is implemented by UNDP in Armenia. The project aims at supporting the fulfillment of the youth’s potential and well-being in the regions of Armenia through improved education opportunities, facilitated labor market transition, and entrepreneurship.