Recent developments in Georgia
Development of a system of adult education as an integral part of lifelong learning has been identified as one of the key priorities of Georgia’s education policy. Continuous education for adults has been discussed in the context of social and economic issues including unemployment, economic challenges, ageing population, etc. Adult education is mostly associated with vocational education and professional training. Since 2018/2019 Georgia has been focusing its efforts on three main issues:
1) The establishment of a legal framework for formal professional training and retraining system for adults. Introduced authorization standards and procedures aiming to extend participation from formal/non-formal education providers and the private sector in continuing VET provision for adults (including short courses).
2) The establishment of Adult Education Division within the Vocational Education and Training Development Department of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport (MESCS) in 2018.
3) Launching a financial mechanism for the provision of adult education programmes by the MESCS in 2019. Under the umbrella of the “Professional training and retraining subprogram”, the MESCS provides funds educational institutions and private sector organisations to implement formal professional training/retraining programmes for adults. New policies aim at reducing the skills deficit in the workplace, by investing in professional, technical and employable skills, and by initiating short-term upskilling programmes. It is regulated through mechanisms that analyse the needs of the private sector and by giving companies the opportunity to implement formal adult education programmes funded by the government. Finally, the learning outcomes are certified by a recognized diploma.