USAID to launch a new program to engage the private sector in developing the skills of the local workforce, reducing unemployment.
The USAID-funded industry-led Skills Development Program is a five-year initiative implemented by the International Executive Service Corps (IESC).
The project aims to reduce unemployment and promote the sustainable development of the economy by matching the knowledge and skills of high-paying job opportunities and job seekers. The program will work to incentivize businesses in high-growth industries to systematically engage in innovative skills development and skills training to implement high-quality training programs aligned with labor market demand and extend access to their offerings throughout Georgia. The program aims to target underrepresented members of society, including residents of rural communities, women, and ethnic minorities.
On August 4, USAID/Georgia Mission Director Peter Eiebler joined Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Georgia Tamar Kitiashvili to officially launch the USAID industry-led Skills Development program. $24 million programs that will partner with the private sector to create effective skills training programs that reduce unemployment and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
A panel discussion with experts, industry leaders, and private sector actors was held at the event. Participants discussed how the private sector can contribute to effective industry-relevant skills development programs that provide job seekers with the skills they need to obtain high-value employment.
USAID Mission Director Peter Wiebler stated: “Through this initiative, we will empower Georgians to not only find employment but to thrive in a dynamic economy. At the same time, we will transform how we work with businesses and industry groups, partnering to establish a new program that connects Georgian workers with today and tomorrow’s job opportunities, and Georgia’s businesses with highly-skilled candidates they need.”
Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Georgia Tamar Kitiashvili: “The broader private sector engagement is of critical importance at the current stage of the vocational education system development, especially with regard to strengthening sector policies across the country’s economy. The new USAID Program will accelerate the ongoing process with an aim to ultimately create a vocational education system steered by public-private sector partnerships. In parallel, the objective should be establishing the international standards across the qualifications offered in Georgia.”
The Program anticipates benefiting 4,800 individuals who will complete workforce programs, with over 3,800 receiving new or better employment. The Program will ensure 35% of trainees are from rural areas and ethnic minorities and at least 45% are women. The Program will incentivize 30 businesses to develop long-term partnerships with training providers and leave behind a network of training providers with scalable and replicable partnership models for private sector engagement in skills development.
