Modernizing Vocational Education and Training for Economic Diversification
Comprehensive VET system modernization and economic diversification support
Comprehensive VET modernization project implemented in collaboration with Asian Development Bank and European Union Delegation to systematically transform Azerbaijan's vocational education system through establishment of NQF-aligned qualification frameworks supporting Global Gateway objectives, development of national TVET financing policies integrating multilateral donor strategies, enhancement of NQF Level 5 qualifications focusing on sustainable energy and digital skills, and strengthening education system resilience while aligning with EU governance principles, inclusiveness, and green transition priorities.
Azerbaijan's economic diversification strategy and European integration aspirations necessitated comprehensive modernization of its VET system to reduce dependence on oil and gas sectors while building competitive advantages in emerging knowledge-based industries. The country faced significant challenges including outdated qualification frameworks, limited alignment with international standards, inadequate financing mechanisms for TVET institutions, and insufficient integration of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies and green energy competencies. The existing VET system required systematic transformation to support economic diversification objectives, enhance private sector participation, and align with EU governance principles and Global Gateway strategic priorities.
Systematically modernize Azerbaijan's Vocational Education and Training system to support economic diversification through establishment of comprehensive NQF-aligned qualification frameworks supporting Global Gateway objectives, development of national TVET financing policies integrating investment strategies from multilateral donors and sovereign wealth funds, enhancement of NQF Level 5 qualifications with focus on sustainable energy and digital skills, strengthening education system resilience aligned with EU governance principles, and fostering institutional accreditation strategies that promote green energy transition, 4IR-aligned training programmes, and sustainable financial models for long-term system viability.
Specific Objectives:
- 1Establish NQF-aligned qualification frameworks supporting Global Gateway objectives
- 2Develop national TVET financing policies with multilateral donor integration
- 3Enhance NQF Level 5 qualifications in sustainable energy and digital skills
- 4Strengthen education system resilience aligned with EU governance principles
Key Activities
- Establishment of comprehensive NQF-aligned qualification frameworks supporting Global Gateway strategic objectives
- Review and enhancement of existing VET qualifications including 4IR, digital technologies, gender equity, and energy transition components
- Development of recommendations for classifying VET qualifications for work-based training and competency recognition
- Development of national TVET financing policies integrating NQF-aligned institutional accreditation strategies
- Integration of investment frameworks from multilateral donors (ADB, EU, World Bank) and sovereign wealth funds
- Design of financing mechanisms enhancing private sector participation and sustainable financial models for green energy and 4IR-aligned programmes
- Enhancement of NQF Level 5 qualifications focusing on sustainable energy and digital skills development
- Integration of teacher training, capacity building for sustainability, and climate-smart agriculture competencies
- Development of institutional resilience strategies aligned with EU governance principles and inclusiveness
- Development of comprehensive Policy and Strategy for NQF, Institutional and Program Accreditation Standards
- Implementation of Internal and External Quality Assurance Systems including credit recognition mechanism improvements
- Support for policy dialogues including gender equality and issues relevant to EU integration principles
Methodology
National Qualifications Framework (NQF) development approach integrating international best practices with local context and Global Gateway strategic objectives
Multi-stakeholder financing policy development engaging government, multilateral donors (ADB, EU, World Bank), sovereign wealth funds, and private sector investors
Competency-based qualification enhancement methodology focusing on sustainable energy, digital technologies, and Fourth Industrial Revolution skills
Institutional accreditation framework development incorporating quality assurance, resilience building, and continuous improvement mechanisms
EU governance alignment approach ensuring inclusiveness, transparency, and democratic participation in VET policy development and implementation
Green transition integration methodology embedding climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, and environmental sustainability across all qualification levels
Project Outcomes
Comprehensive NQF-aligned qualification frameworks established and operationalized, supporting Global Gateway objectives and providing clear pathways for skills recognition and career progression across priority economic sectors
National TVET financing policies developed and endorsed, successfully integrating investment strategies from multilateral donors, sovereign wealth funds, and private sector partners while establishing sustainable financial models for long-term system viability
Enhanced NQF Level 5 qualifications delivered with systematic integration of sustainable energy, digital skills, climate-smart agriculture, and 4IR competencies, strengthening Azerbaijan's capacity for economic diversification and green transition
Strengthened education system resilience achieved through institutional accreditation strategies, quality assurance mechanisms, and policy frameworks aligned with EU governance principles and inclusiveness standards
Increased private sector participation in TVET facilitated through innovative financing mechanisms, green energy training programmes, and 4IR-aligned curricula that support sustainable economic development and technological advancement
2022 to 2025
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Principal Development Partner and Technical Advisor
Development BankEuropean Union Delegation to Azerbaijan
Strategic Partner and Policy Advisor
Ministry of Education of Azerbaijan
Government Counterpart and Implementation Partner