The RA Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports and the “Business and Education Partnership” Foundation signed a memorandum of cooperation to promote cooperation in VET sector and training of specialists. The memorandum was signed by the Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Arthur Martirosyan and Chairman of the Foundation Board Marine Zhamkochyan.

The German “Vocational Education and Training-Partnership” South Caucasus Program in Armenia has been implemented since 2017 with the financial support of the Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development of the Federal Republic of Germany within the frame of the agreement between the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Federal Regional Training Center and the “Business and Education Partnership” Foundation. The signing of the memorandum was attended by the head of the “Vocational Education and Training-Partnership” South Caucasus Program Utte Fok.

Welcoming the launch of the new program, Arthur Martirosyan noted that the Ministry has been effectively cooperating with the “Business and Education Partnership” Foundation for over three years, the programs of which are in line with the state objectives in VET sector. “The Memorandum envisages the introduction of new specialties, and therefore, additional and new resources will be allocated in the VET sector, ensuring sustainable and ongoing cooperation. We emphasize not only the introduction of specific professions, but also complex actions – skills development of trainers, ensure education-labor market communication.” stated Arthur Martirosyan noting that it is planned to revise the VET educational standards, in the context of which the integrated approach is highlighted. He also emphasized the importance of the program in the sense that the Ministry encourages various studies to identify future professions and ensure career guidance for the applicants, as well as conducting labor market surveys in the regions of Armenia.

The Deputy Minister also highlighted the piloting of the model of “Pupil/Student Company” in VET institutions and schools.
Chairman of the Foundation Board Marine Zhamkochyan emphasized that the program is very flexible, so new funds will be attracted if new interesting ideas appear.
According to the memorandum, the parties will implement:
- programs aimed at strengthening cooperation between the education and the economy, developing and improving the normative legal framework and educational programs for preliminary vocational education and training, strengthening the educational-methodological and material-technical base of educational institutions;
-promotion of the competitiveness and employability of graduates in the labor market, the organization of joint activities aimed at providing professional specialists for VET sector;
-the establishment and strengthening of cooperation between educational institutions and private organizations.