Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — A delegation from Uzbekistan discussed the possible application of Sweden’s vocational training experience with representatives of the Swedish National Agency for Higher Vocational Education (MYH) on 9 November.
The talks were attended by MYH Deputy Director-General Christer Bergqvist and Senior Adviser Camilla Neudorfer. The parties discussed training specialists in line with labour market needs, employer participation in education and the development of practical components in vocational training.
According to information presented by the Swedish side, around 87,000 people were enrolled in higher vocational education programmes in Sweden in 2025. Of these, 34,600 started their studies during the year.
Among graduates in 2023, 81% found employment in 2024. For 62% of those employed, their jobs were fully or largely related to their vocational training.
Most programmes last one to two years, with at least a quarter of study time allocated to workplace training. Around 55% of students subsequently find jobs at the organisations where they completed their practical training.
Under the Swedish model, employers participate in developing curricula, organising workplace training and financing education. New areas of study are introduced based on confirmed demand for specialists, labour market forecasts and companies’ readiness to support workforce training.
Around 25% of applications to launch educational programmes are approved each year. According to the meeting participants, this approach helps keep training relevant and aligned with the needs of the economy.
The Swedish delegation also presented a pilot National Vocational Education (NY) programme running from 2024 to 2028. It is designed to provide adults with practical skills for employment or retraining in a new profession.
The Uzbek side expressed interest in adapting selected elements of the Swedish model.
In particular, the discussions covered improvements to curricula and teaching methods, the involvement of Swedish experts, stronger cooperation between technical colleges and employers, and the recognition of professional qualifications, previously acquired education and work experience.
MYH representatives stressed that adopting international experience should not mean simply copying educational programmes.
They said the flexibility of the system, continuous engagement with employers and a focus on the actual needs of the economy were also essential.
