Skills and Employability


Skills development to enhance employability of workers and facilitate economic growth is a policy priority in countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Many of the countries are facing a challenge in quality delivery of innovation skills development programmes which aim to bridge education and training to export growth, economic diversification, technological development and the creation of more and better jobs. Challenges in skills development include linkages between employers and training organizations, skills mismatch, training and job creation for young people, shortage of quality apprenticeships, and access to skills development and employment of people with disabilities, etc.

Governments, employers’ associations and trade unions in the region are working to improve the quality and relevance of vocational education and training in order to improve the employability of workers and the productivity and competitiveness of enterprises. Within this context, the Country Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia is helping to provide solutions to many skills development issues through policy advice, technical assistance and knowledge development. All these measures aim to help constituents:
  • integrate skills development into national and sector development strategies in order to better meet current labour market needs and to prepare for the jobs of the future;
  • expand access to employment-related training so that youth, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups are better able to acquire skills and secure productive employment while at the same time contributing to poverty reduction; and
  • improve the capacity to provide career guidance.

See also

Publications 

Maik Jepsen Report „German approach and experience of development of occupational standards“
The Development of Occupational Standards in English-speaking countries
A Skilled Workforce for Strong, Sustainable and Balanced Growth - A G20 Training Strategy
Skills for Green Jobs
Teachers and trainers for the future – Technical and vocational education and training in a changing world
The implementation and impact of National Qualifications Frameworks: Report of a study in 16 countries
Brief profile on skills and employability
Evaluating the effect given to the ILO MNE Declaration in the Russian Federation
Advisory report on vocational rehabilitation and employment of people with disabilities in Eastern Europe and Central Asia
Achieving equal employment opportunities for people with disabilities through legislation: Guidelines
Achieving Equal Employment Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities through Legislation: an Education and Training guide
The public employment service in a changing labour market 

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