Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 7 December, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired an extended meeting to address measures for training citizens in demanded professions and ensuring their employment in high-paying jobs.

This issue remains a key focus of the state’s social policy. In the context of a globalizing economy, the demand for mid-level qualified personnel continues to grow.

The meeting included a comprehensive analysis of the preparation of specialists at this level and outlined pressing tasks for further development.

Over the past five years, Uzbekistan has imported industrial equipment worth US$24 billion, enabling the creation of 63,000 new production facilities and 1.5 million permanent jobs. However, the economy currently faces a shortage of over 200,000 qualified specialists.

According to investment programs, an additional 500,000 specialists will be needed at new enterprises over the next three years. Professionals with the required knowledge and skills are essential to work effectively with modern equipment and technologies.

Uzbekistan already has successful examples of cooperation between technical colleges and enterprises within the framework of dual education. Institutions such as the Asaka Transport and Engineering College, the Bukhara College of Energy, Oil and Gas, the Shirin Energy College, and colleges in Guzar and Shakhrisabz are training next-generation specialists in collaboration with domestic and foreign companies.

The meeting approved measures to support private companies involved in developing dual education and proposed favorable conditions to expand this system.

With Germany’s assistance, training in demanded professions and German language studies are being conducted in 14 technical colleges. The President instructed regional leaders and industry heads to implement similar programs in at least five technical colleges in each region.

Knowledge of foreign languages is crucial for mastering modern professions. Accordingly, it was proposed to increase language instruction in schools and professional training centers and invite foreign teachers to work in technical colleges.

Special attention was given to enhancing the quality of training in 65 professional centers under the Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction. Grant funding will be attracted to equip these centers with modern tools.

Programs at 13 centers for construction professions will be updated to meet current labor market demands. Additionally, the enrollment process will be digitized, enabling up to 20,000 individuals to be trained annually.

To certify professional skills internationally, five regional qualification assessment centers will be established. These centers will issue certificates to individuals who have acquired skills independently or through apprenticeships.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was tasked with simplifying visa regimes with countries such as the UK, Germany, Canada, Slovakia, Australia, and New Zealand. This will provide more opportunities for Uzbek citizens to study, enhance their qualifications, and work at advanced enterprises abroad.

The President also highlighted the importance of programs like "Work and Travel," which allow youth to combine study and work in European countries during vacations. Starting in 2025, the Agency for Youth Affairs will offer loans to students to cover travel expenses for such programs.

Additionally, the meeting stressed the importance of engaging with Uzbek citizens working abroad. Conditions will be created to help them secure high-paying jobs and receive social and legal support.

Reports from responsible officials were heard during the meeting, with specific tasks set to train the unemployed in demanded professions and ensure employment for citizens returning from abroad.