RA Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Araksia Svajyan received Ambassador of Estonia to Armenia Marge Mardisalu-Kahar and representatives of the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV).

The sides discussed the ongoing reforms in Armenia's vocational education and training (VET) sector, as well as opportunities for cooperation on skill-building, labour market needs, and the implementation of joint initiatives.

Welcoming the guests, Araksia Svajyan emphasized that Armenia is currently undertaking comprehensive reforms in vocational education and training and emphasized that Estonia's experience could provide valuable insights:

“We are constantly studying international best practices to adapt and apply them in line with Armenia's needs. In this context, the exchange of experience with our Estonian partners and the study of efficient models are of particular importance,” the ESCS Deputy Minister said.

She informed the partners that Armenia has adopted a new “Law on Vocational Education and Training”, which serves as the principal legislative framework governing the sector. The new law identifies work-based learning as a key priority for the development of secondary vocational education, alongside the professional development of teaching staff and improvement of management efficiency as key directions for the development of the VET sector.

Addressing prospects for cooperation, it was noted that the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV), working in partnership with experts from Estonia's civil society, public institutions, and private sector, develops innovative solutions tailored to the needs of partner countries. Armenia is among the countries being considered for such cooperation.

The meeting also covered issues related to the mobility of students and graduates of VET institutions, the exchange of experience, and further opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation in the field of vocational education and training.