Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142) - Azerbaijan (RATIFICATION: 1992)

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Article 1 of the Convention. Formulation and implementation of education and training policies. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the formulation and implementation of vocational guidance and training programmes and their results, as well as on the establishment and activities of the Human Resources Development Agency. In its report, the Government refers to the adoption of relevant legislation during the reporting period. The Committee takes particular note of the Law on Vocational Education, which came into force on 24 April 2018, as well as of the adoption of the National Strategy for the Development of Education in the Republic of Azerbaijan. The Government also refers to the creation of one-stop regional centres offering information as well as vocational training, and the adoption of the National Employment Strategy 2018–2030, which was developed with technical assistance from the ILO and follows the lines of the Decent Work Country Programme 2016–2020. The Government reports that, from 2013 to August 2018, 20,459 people continued to use vocational training services, out of which 12,435 used regional centres. The Committee notes that, in its 2019 country report on Azerbaijan, the European Training Foundation (ETF) estimates that Azerbaijan spends only 3 per cent of its public budget on education. The Government does not provide information concerning the Human Resources Development Agency. The Committee therefore reiterates its request that the Government provide information on the establishment and activities of the Human Resources Development Agency in relation to the matters covered by the Convention. It further requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of the 2018 Law on Vocational Education, including statistical data disaggregated by age, sex and region, on the impact of the legislation on access to opportunities for vocational guidance and training as well as lifelong learning (Paragraph 1 of the Human Resources Development Recommendation, 2004 (No. 195)). In addition, the Government is invited to provide information on the manner in which it is ensured that vocational guidance and training measures are closely linked to present and future employment needs.

Article 2. Development of the vocational training system. The Government indicates that the Law on Education seeks to increase employability by providing education, particularly basic specialist vocational education. To this end, the Vocational Development Agency was established in 2016. In addition, the Government implemented a certain number of national programmes to promote socio-economic development, sustainability and youth employment. In particular, the Social Protection Development Programme introduced improvements to the vocational guidance system of the State Employment Service. The Government reports that, as a result of the implementation of the Presidential Order of 7 April 2016 concerning Additional Measures to Promote Self-Employment, 1,500 households received training. The Committee notes that, according to the 2013 UNESCO–UNEVOC report entitled “World TVET Database Azerbaijan”, the insufficient allocation of funds for the technical and vocational education and training system (TVET) and the lack of necessary and modern technological equipment and study materials in TVET institutions are some of the challenges identified in relation to developing a system of vocational education in the Republic of Azerbaijan. Furthermore, the 2019 ETF report indicates that vocational education and training in Azerbaijan is still at a school-based level. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated detailed information concerning general, technical and vocational education, educational and vocational guidance and vocational training. In addition, noting the challenges referenced in the reports of the European Training Foundation and UNESCO–UNEVOC, the Committee invites the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to ensure both the enhancement and the sustainability of the TVET system in Azerbaijan.

Articles 3 and 4. Extension and development of the vocational training system and lifelong learning. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on progress made with the assistance of the ILO and other international organizations in relation to vocational and technical education systems, as well as on the possible extension of vocational training systems to additional sectors. The Committee also requested the Government to provide information on measures taken to ensure that the systems of vocational training are adapted to the changing requirements of people and the economy. The Government refers to several measures, as well to many projects conducted in collaboration with the ILO and other international organizations, like the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme and the European Union (especially in respect of the European Neighbourhood Policy), in particular concerning the training of young people and jobseekers. Between 2016 and the first half of 2018, assistance and courses were provided to 452 young people, including 133 women, 80 per cent of whom subsequently secured employment. For example, in the context of the TVET, within the framework of the ILO Project “Partnership for Youth Employment in the CIS”, the public employment service (PES) held a number of courses for PES officials, social partners’ representatives and the research community in relation to the inclusion of people in vulnerable situations in the labour market. The Committee notes that the Government does not provide specific information on how the system of vocational training is adapted to the needs of people and the economy. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide detailed information and statistics on the results of the assistance received from the ILO and other international organizations to develop the vocational and technical education system. Please also indicate the measures being taken with a view to extending the system of vocational training to cover fields of economic activity not previously within their scope and to ensure that they are adapted to the changing requirements of individuals throughout their life, as well as to those of the economy and of the different branches of economic activity.

Article 5. Cooperation of employers’ and workers’ organizations. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations in relation to the formulation and implementation of vocational guidance and training policies. In its response, the Government refers to the Labour Code, the Law on Employment and the tripartite General Collective Agreement of 7 February 2018 as measures regulating the role of employers’ and workers’ representatives for agreements concerning training and measures to promote employment. The Government also refers to the Tripartite Commission on Social and Economic Affairs established on 30 October 2016. The Committee notes that the Government does not provide specific information on the cooperation of employers’ and workers’ organizations in respect of the formulation and implementation of vocational guidance and training policies. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the manner in which the cooperation of employers’ and workers’ organizations and, where applicable, other interested bodies, is ensured in the formulation and implementation of vocational guidance and vocational training policies and programmes.

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Article 1 of the Convention. Formulation and implementation of education and training policies. The Committee notes the information provided in the Government’s report received in September 2013 which includes information in reply to the 2009 direct request. The Government indicates that one of the priority directions of the state policy in the field of employment, reflected in the Employment Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan 2006–15, is the development and implementation of the policy in the field of education and of the labour market. The Committee notes that the State Employment Service (SES) is implementing a number of measures in the field of vocational training and retraining of jobseekers and unemployed persons. In 2012, 4,464 persons were engaged by the SES in vocational and advanced training courses, including 320 persons on the basis of modular training programmes. According to the State Statistical Committee, there were 108 vocational and technical schools in 2012, with the number of students enrolled amounting to 28,993, which exceeds by 6 per cent the level in 2011 and by 39 per cent the level in 2003. In 2012, the number of graduates from vocational and technical schools was 13,789. The Government indicates that training programmes based on the ILO modular methodology have been used since 2006. Moreover, the Government indicates in its report that plans to establish a Human Resources Development Agency have been elaborated. The Committee invites the Government to provide further information on the formulation and implementation of vocational guidance and vocational training programmes, closely linked with the employment needs, and on their results. It also invites the Government to include information on the establishment and activities of the Human Resources Development Agency in relation to the matters covered by the Convention.

Articles 3 and 4. Extension and development of the system of vocational training. In reply to the previous comments, the Committee notes that within the framework of the UNDP project “Development of the National Social Protection System”, 32 training programmes on a modular basis were elaborated. The Committee notes that the employment centre in Baku was selected as a pilot institution to provide support on the lines of special improved programmes for the establishment of the Vocational Guidance Centre for Youth. Conferences were also organized in March and April 2012 in all regions of the country on the organization of vocational guidance services to ensure efficient employment of youth. The Government also provides information on officials of the SES participating in training at the ILO International Training Centre in Turin, on the Decent Work Country Programme and on the project developed with the World Bank entitled “Social Protection Development”. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on progress made as the result of the assistance received from the ILO and other international organizations to develop the vocational and technical education systems, and the steps taken with a view to extending the systems of vocational training to cover fields of economic activity not previously within their scope, and to ensure that they are adapted to the changing requirements of individuals throughout their lives, as well as those of the economy and of the different branches of economic activity.

Article 5. Cooperation of employers’ and workers’ organizations. In reply to the previous comments, the Government indicates in its report that particular attention is paid to issues such as the development of the joint proposals of the State and the employers with regard to reforming the system of vocational education on the basis of the needs of the developing economy; and the implementation of necessary measures to establish the system of forecasting vocational training needs on the basis of the requirements of the labour market. The Committee invites the Government to continue to report on the cooperation of employers’ and workers’ organizations in the formulation and implementation of vocational guidance and vocational training policies and programmes so as to fully take into account their experiences and views.

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1. Formulation and implementation of education and training policies. The Committee notes the information provided in the Government’s report received in September 2008. The Committee noted in its comments on the application of the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122), that a state programme for the application of an employment strategy in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2007–10 was adopted and a set of priorities for job creation was also established in the context of the Decent Work Country Programme for the period 2006–09, which lays down a national employment strategy. In its report on Convention No. 142, the Government indicates that this state programme for the application of the Employment Strategy provides, among other things, for a set of measures aimed at upgrading the quality of the labour force and preparing competitive personnel for the labour market. In this regard, the Committee notes that the state programme provides for: (i) a determination of the labour market needs through conducting an examination of the current labour market situation and projecting forward; (ii) an improvement of the vocational education system in order to prepare competitive personnel for the labour market; (iii) the continuation of on-the-job training, improvement of a non-stop vocational training system, and the introduction of advanced methods of education; (iv) the introduction of institutional changes in the field of vocational training, in conformity with the requirements of employers; and (v) an examination of the possibilities for attracting investment in the development of human capital. The Committee notes that 107 vocational and technical institutions were in operation in Azerbaijan in 2007, where 24,455 students were enrolled. The number of students enrolled in 2007 was 2.7 percentage points more than in 2006, and 12.8 percentage points higher than that in 2002. The Government also indicates that Regional Vocational Training Centres were established in 2007 to provide assistance to unemployed persons and jobseekers in Baku and Gueokchai. These centres organized more than 80 training programmes, including 15 modules that take into account the actual requirements of the labour market for skilled personnel. The Committee would appreciate receiving information on how the education and training measures implemented in the framework of the state programme for the application of the employment strategy have contributed to the operation of open, flexible and complementary systems of general, technical and vocational education (Articles 2 and 4 of the Convention). In this respect, the Government is also requested to include information on the efforts made to achieve more effective coordination between policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training and their link with employment and the public employment services (Article 1(1) to (2) of the Convention).

2. Extension and development of the system of vocational training. The Committee notes that the State Programme on the Development of Vocational and Technical Education (2007–12) seeks to ensure the comprehensive satisfaction of the requirements for the dynamic development of the national economy through professional and qualified personnel, as well as the organization and delivery of vocational and technical education services which correspond to their needs. In this regard, it is envisaged that the State Programme for the Development of the Vocational and Technical Education will: (a) strengthen the material and technical base in the system of vocational and technical education; (b) form new economic relations and improve management in the system of vocational and technical education; (c) renew the contents of the vocational and technical education to ensure that it corresponds with the current needs of the labour market; (d) improve the personnel training procedure for the system of vocational and technical education; and (e) enhance the social status of vocational and technical education. The Committee also notes that the Decent Work Country Programme provided, inter alia, for the development of programmes entitled “Start and Improve Your Business” and the application of vocational training systems in newly established educational centres. The Committee notes that a UNDP project “Development of the National Social Protection System” established “Methodic manuals on the organization of the vocational guidance methods” and the “Systems of the multimedia test programmes” to determine the professional skills of unemployed persons and jobseekers. The Committee also notes that a project entitled “Social Protection Development”, developed in the framework of cooperation between the Ministry of Labour and the World Bank, provides for the preparation of proposals concerning the improvement of the vocational training system and retraining of unemployed persons and persons looking for employment, detection of the working specialities which are most in demand, and study of the possibility of applying modular training systems to those specialities. The Committee asks the Government to include in its next report information on any progress made as the result of the assistance received from the ILO and other international organizations to develop the vocational and technical education systems and the steps taken with a view to extending the systems of vocational training to cover fields of economic activity not previously within their scope and to ensure that they are adapted to the changing requirements of individuals throughout their lives, as well as those of the economy and of the different branches of economic activity.

3. Article 5. Cooperation of employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee notes that, during the reporting period, seminars were held in Baku, Gyandja, Sumgait, Mingyachevir and Lenkoran to discuss the role of the social partners in ensuring employment. The seminars were attended by representatives of nearly 350 large enterprises, institutions, organizations and companies. The participants discussed issues relating to the existing employment legislation and the obligations of parties, as well as the future cooperation of social partners in this field. The Committee invites the Government to continue reporting on the measures adopted to ensure the collaboration of employers and workers and, where applicable, other interested bodies, in the formulation and implementation of vocational guidance and vocational training policies and programmes at national and local level so as to fully take into account their experiences and views.

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The Committee notes the Government’s report received in September 2005 and the information therein on legislation and institutions concerned with vocational guidance and vocational training. Further to its previous request, the Committee asks the Government to supply supplementary information on the following points.

1. Article 1, paragraphs 1 to 5, of the Convention. Close relationship with employment and equality of opportunity. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, in the framework of a collaboration project between the Government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) dating from 2002, a further training programme of pedagogical resources and technical infrastructure for occupational training, retraining and further training organized by the employment services for the unemployed and jobseekers has been prepared. While recognizing that the occupational training system does not respond entirely to current labour market needs and that improvement is still necessary, the Government indicates that during recent months the employment services have set up teaching programmes for the organization of short-term occupational courses on various subjects particularly in demand in the labour market. The Government indicates that, for the period 2002-03, the employment services have provided training for 4,527 people including 3,476 young people, 889 refugees and displaced persons and 36 handicapped persons. The Committee notes this information and requests the Government to continue to supply information on measures taken to ensure that vocational guidance and vocational training policies and programmes are comprehensive and coordinated and that they are closely linked to employment and the public employment service. The Committee also asks the Government to describe the measures taken to encourage women to develop and use their professional skills in all branches of economic activity and at all levels of occupational qualification and responsibility.

2. Article 2. Open, flexible and complementary systems. The Committee notes the information on general, technical and professional education as well as the number of establishments, students and teachers for the period 2003-04. It also notes the process of reform of the educational system launched in 1999. It requests the Government to indicate how complementarity is ensured between initial and further occupational training activities being conducted within and outside the formal education system.

3. Article 3, paragraphs 1 to 3. Policy of vocational guidance and information for the purpose of occupational guidance. The Committee noted earlier the establishment of a vocational guidance centre. On this subject, the Government indicates that for the period 2002-03 almost 2,000 pupils in the final year of secondary general education in the town of Baku have followed a vocational guidance programme and been given vocational advice. In addition, in the framework of the project with the UNDP, teaching material for organizing vocational guidance and a computerized system for identifying the jobs sought by the unemployed and by employers has been prepared. The Committee notes this information and, with reference to its previous request, asks the Government to indicate whether vocational guidance also includes information on conditions of work, and occupational safety and health and whether information is given on the collective Conventions and rights and obligations of all parties covered by labour legislation.

4. Article 5. Cooperation with organizations of employers and workers. The Government indicates that, under the Act on employment, 2001, local bodies of the executive authorities, associations of employers and trade unions prepare each year territorial employment programmes, of which certain sections are devoted to questions of vocational training, retraining and higher training of the unemployed and jobseekers. In addition, at local level there exist employment assistance coordination committees comprising representatives of the social partners. Finally, the social partners participate in preparing the national employment policy in regard to matters linked to improving the system of vocational guidance, vocational training and further training of the labour force. The Committee takes due note of this information and would be grateful if the Government would supply examples of the matters dealt with by these bodies, any advice they have given and the manner in which this is taken into account.

5. Part V of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee notes the statistics supplied by the Government on the number of persons who have received training. It requests the Government to continue to supply this type of information and to specify the placement rates recorded subsequently. It also requests the Government to communicate extracts from any reports or statistical data allowing appreciation of the effect given to the provisions of the Convention in practice.

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The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its 2002 direct request, which read as follows:

Article 1, paragraph 1, of the Convention. Please provide further information on measures taken to ensure that policies and programmes concerning vocational guidance and training are comprehensive and coordinated, indicating in particular, the way in which effective coordination is assured and the manner in which the policies and programmes are linked with employment and the public employment service.

Article 1, paragraphs 2 to 5. Please describe in greater detail the existing machinery for the development of comprehensive and coordinated policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training, indicating, in particular for minorities, the way in which effective coordination is assured and the manner in which the policies and programmes are linked with employment and the public employment service. See also comments made on the implementation of Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111).

Article 2. Please provide further information on measures taken to ensure that the systems of general, technical and vocational education are open, flexible and complementary.

Article 3, paragraph 1. The Committee notes the establishment of a vocational guidance centre. Please provide further information on measures taken or contemplated to extend the number and location of centres to meet the needs of the larger population, including people with disabilities.

Article 3, paragraph 2. The Committee notes the information provided on the content of vocational guidance. It requests further details on whether guidance also includes information on conditions of work, safety and hygiene at work, and other aspects of working life.

Article 3, paragraph 3. Please state whether for effective vocational guidance purposes, information is included on collective agreements and the rights and obligations of all concerned under labour law.

Article 4. Please indicate the measures which ensure systems of vocational training adapted to the changing requirements of individuals throughout their life or those of the economy and which could cover fields of economic activity not previously within their scope.

Article 5. The Government refers in its report to tripartite agreements for the use of the funds that are available to the public employment service to provide suitable employment to jobseekers. It also mentions quadripartite agreements involving the employment services, unemployed citizens, teaching establishments and employers. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would describe in its next report any formal procedures or consultative machinery which have been instituted to facilitate cooperation of workers’ and employers’ organizations, and, where appropriate, other interested bodies, in the formulation and implementation of vocational guidance and training policies and programmes.

Part VI of the report form. The Committee notes the statistical data provided on the number of persons who have received guidance. Please continue to provide such information, as well as information on the number of participants in training, and the subsequent placement rates, if available.

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The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its 2002 direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report for the period June 1999 to May 2000. It would appreciate receiving further information on the following points.

Article 1, paragraph 1, of the Convention. Please provide further information on measures taken to ensure that policies and programmes concerning vocational guidance and training are comprehensive and coordinated, indicating in particular the way in which effective coordination is assured and the manner in which the policies and programmes are linked with employment and the public employment service.

Article 1, paragraphs 2 to 5. Please describe in greater detail the existing machinery for the development of comprehensive and coordinated policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training, indicating, in particular for minorities, the way in which effective coordination is assured and the manner in which the policies and programmes are linked with employment and the public employment service. See also comments made on the implementation of Convention No. 111.

Article 2. Please provide further information on measures taken to ensure that the systems of general, technical and vocational education are open, flexible and complementary.

Article 3, paragraph 1. The Committee notes the establishment of a vocational guidance centre. Please provide further information on measures taken or contemplated to extend the number and location of centres to meet the needs of the larger population, including people with disabilities.

Article 3, paragraph 2. The Committee notes the information provided on the content of vocational guidance. It requests further details on whether guidance also includes information on conditions of work, safety and hygiene at work, and other aspects of working life.

Article 3, paragraph 3. Please state whether, for effective vocational guidance purposes, information is included on collective agreements and the rights and obligations of all concerned under labour law.

Article 4. Please indicate the measures which ensure systems of vocational training adapted to the changing requirements of individuals throughout their life or those of the economy and which could cover fields of economic activity not previously within their scope.

Article 5. The Government refers in its report to tripartite agreements for the use of the funds that are available to the public employment service to provide suitable employment to jobseekers. It also mentions quadripartite agreements involving the employment services, unemployed citizens, teaching establishments and employers. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would describe in its next report any formal procedures or consultative machinery which have been instituted to facilitate cooperation of workers’ and employers’ organizations, and, where appropriate, other interested bodies, in the formulation and implementation of vocational guidance and training policies and programmes.

Part VI of the report form. The Committee notes the statistical data provided on the number of persons who have received guidance. Please continue to provide such information, as well as information on the number of participants in training, and the subsequent placement rates, if available.

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The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report for the period June 1999 to May 2000. It would appreciate receiving further information on the following points.

Article 1, paragraph 1, of the Convention. Please provide further information on measures taken to ensure that policies and programmes concerning vocational guidance and training are comprehensive and coordinated, indicating in particular the way in which effective coordination is assured and the manner in which the policies and programmes are linked with employment and the public employment service.

Article 1, paragraphs 2 to 5. Please describe in greater detail the existing machinery for the development of comprehensive and coordinated policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training, indicating, in particular for minorities, the way in which effective coordination is assured and the manner in which the policies and programmes are linked with employment and the public employment service. See also comments made on the implementation of Convention No. 111.

Article 2. Please provide further information on measures taken to ensure that the systems of general, technical and vocational education are open, flexible and complementary.

Article 3, paragraph 1. The Committee notes the establishment of a vocational guidance centre. Please provide further information on measures taken or contemplated to extend the number and location of centres to meet the needs of the larger population, including people with disabilities.

Article 3, paragraph 2. The Committee notes the information provided on the content of vocational guidance. It requests further details on whether guidance also includes information on conditions of work, safety and hygiene at work, and other aspects of working life.

Article 3, paragraph 3. Please state whether, for effective vocational guidance purposes, information is included on collective agreements and the rights and obligations of all concerned under labour law.

Article 4. Please indicate the measures which ensure systems of vocational training adapted to the changing requirements of individuals throughout their life or those of the economy and which could cover fields of economic activity not previously within their scope.

Article 5. The Government refers in its report to tripartite agreements for the use of the funds that are available to the public employment service to provide suitable employment to jobseekers. It also mentions quadripartite agreements involving the employment services, unemployed citizens, teaching establishments and employers. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would describe in its next report any formal procedures or consultative machinery which have been instituted to facilitate cooperation of workers’ and employers’ organizations, and, where appropriate, other interested bodies, in the formulation and implementation of vocational guidance and training policies and programmes.

Part VI of the report form. The Committee notes the statistical data provided on the number of persons who have received guidance. Please continue to provide such information, as well as information on the number of participants in training, and the subsequent placement rates, if available.

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The Committee takes note of the Government's report, which refers to the provisions of the Act of 27 June 1991 respecting the employment of the population with regard to the vocational guidance and training services provided by the public employment service, and which provides information on the number of unemployed persons benefiting from vocational training and retraining.

So that it can assess the effect given to the Convention in both law and practice, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide full information in its next report on each of the provisions of the Convention, in reply to each question in the report form.

[The Government is asked to report in detail in 2000.]