Strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training The impact of the proposed Strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training Project (the project) will be a national workforce with an increased proportion of skilled workers employed in Tajikistan. The outcome will be a demand-driven, quality-assured, and flexible TVET system responsive to labor market needs.

The project comprises four outputs, as follows: (i) TVET system methodology modernized; (ii) physical learning facilities in selected TVET institutions upgraded; (iii) access to quality TVET programs improved; and (iv) governance and management of TVET system strengthened. These are explained below.

Output 1: TVET system methodology modernized. The project will develop competency standards and assessment tools aligned to an adapted European Qualification Framework (EQF).  Competency-based training (CBT) curriculum and gender-sensitive learning materials will be developed, and competency assessors for 17 occupations will be trained. The occupations have been selected based on the government's development priorities, a labor market survey conducted during project preparation, and inputs from key stakeholders.  An implementation plan for the development of the CBT components has been developed involving industry sector working groups, training providers, and development partners.  Guidelines and manuals will be prepared to promote future sustainability and institutionalize tasks related to development of competency standards, qualifications and curriculum. The Center for Training Methodology and Monitoring of Education Quality (CTMMEQ) under MOLME will take the lead in implementing Output 1. The project will build CTMMEQ capacity a twinning partnership with a reputable foreign workforce development agency. The CBT curriculum and learning materials will be piloted in 29 TVET institutions. The project will strengthen the selected TVET institutions' core programs to enable them to serve as resource centers for other TVET institutions in their respective sectors.

Output 2: Physical learning facilities in selected TVET institutions upgraded. The project will upgrade the physical learning and teaching facilities of the selected TVET institutions. The design of rehabilitation works takes into consideration teaching requirements, student needs, and environmental and social safeguards. In three project sites, green reconstruction and power approaches will demonstrate options for general building rehabilitation, and help train teachers and students in green reconstruction. The project will also support gender-appropriate dormitory upgrades, which will help increase female student access to formal TVET system. 

Output 3: Access to quality TVET programs improved. The project will develop an in-service TVET teachers training plan to provide teachers and masters with a clear understanding of the CBT methodology, competencies n student-centered training delivery, and practical knowledge and skills in respective technology areas through industry internships.

Output 4: Governance and management strengthened. The project will support the establishment and operation of industry advisory committees and working groups in the five priority sectors; training in modern TVET management, strengthening of the secretariat of the National Coordination Council for Vocational Education and Training; provision of equipment for the Scientific Research Institute on Labour, Migration and Employment under MOLME to support annual labor market assessments; a social marketing program; development and implementation of the project monitoring and evaluation system; and designation of a resource center in each region to facilitate coordination and ensure efficient project implementation. A skills conference in year 4 will showcase CBT achievements.