Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Preschool and School Education, in partnership with the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) GmbH, have concluded the implementation of the TexVET Career project — a key component of GIZ’s initiative to support the reform of the vocational education system in the country. The project was executed by the consulting firm Integration Consulting Group.

During the final conference held in Tashkent, representatives of relevant ministries, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, local authorities, international donor organizations, and educational institutions reviewed the project outcomes and discussed the future of career guidance and counseling in Uzbekistan.

Given that youth make up over 60% of the country’s population, improving the quality of vocational training and developing human capital are considered top priorities of state policy. According to OECD data, effective career guidance systems contribute to successful youth employment, reduce social risks, and positively impact lifetime earnings.

“Comprehensive modernization of the vocational education system plays a crucial role in shaping skills demanded by today’s labor market. In this context, career guidance becomes one of the key tools — it enables young people to make informed decisions about their educational and professional paths,” emphasized Kongratbay Sharipov, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Since its launch in November 2023, the TexVET Career project has developed modern career counseling methodologies, created practical guides and digital educational tools, trained teachers and school psychologists, and conducted pilot activities in schools and vocational colleges in Tashkent, Fergana, Samarkand, Kashkadarya, and the Republic of Karakalpakstan.

The project gave students the opportunity to explore career prospects and build career management skills through a variety of formats — from online courses to in-person sessions and mentorship from business professionals. In addition, technical support was provided for the establishment of a Career Guidance Center at the Samarkand Polytechnic College, which will serve as a regional model platform for scaling the initiative further.

In close cooperation with national partners, professional development programs were conducted for educators, and career guidance activities were held to help schoolchildren and students better understand their strengths, gain information about professional opportunities, and make more informed life choices.

The programs, covering five regions of the country, included industry-specific competitions, masterclasses, internships, meetings with employers, and awareness campaigns. A total of 496 schoolchildren, 288 vocational college students, 263 educators, and 366 representatives of the business community and local authorities took part in the activities.

“Together with the Ministry of Preschool and School Education, the TexVET project developed eight practical guides, three digital courses, and thirteen gender-sensitive activities. This marked an important step toward introducing a systemic approach to career guidance, giving students and their parents full access to information about future career paths,” said Hilola Umarova, Minister of Preschool and School Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Thanks to the active involvement of the private sector, sustainable partnerships have been established between educational institutions and employers.

Companies such as Safia, BYD Megawatt, the Uzbekistan Beverage Association, Coca-Cola Uzbekistan, Samarkand Apparel, Teamdress, Global Textile LLC, and Denta Fill have signed cooperation memorandums, expressing their commitment to supporting the development of career guidance programs. In total, partnerships have been established with 25 private companies.

“TexVET Career has become part of broader efforts to modernize Uzbekistan’s education system, aimed at preparing a workforce for new priority sectors — services, information technology, green energy, and high-tech manufacturing. We are proud to contribute to the country’s sustainable economic development and the well-being of its youth,” noted Matthias Klingenberg, GIZ Project Manager in Uzbekistan.

“Uzbekistan is at a pivotal stage of reform, and we are confident that the results of the TexVET Career project will serve as a foundation for further transformation,” added Joachim Fritz, Director of GIZ in Uzbekistan.

During the conference, all partners reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation and preserving the progress achieved.

The results of the TexVET Career project are expected to make a significant contribution to the implementation of the national strategy for human capital development and the transition to a knowledge- and innovation-based economy.