📋 Tender Overview
Switzerland with Germany and Austria continues to support Armenia’s transition to a work-based VET system building on its expertise and first phase results. The project will empower and strengthen state actors to take ownership and coordinate efforts towards a more inclusive and labour market relevant system. Simultaneously, targeted support to colleges and private sector organizations should improve agricultural VET quality, enabling rural youth to access decent job opportunities.
Country/region Topic Period Budget
Armenia
Agriculture & food security
Education
Vocational training
Agricultural services & market
Education policy
01.10.2025 - 30.09.2028
CHF 3’220’000
The project in brief
Background In 2023, 52% of total employment was in agriculture (ILO estimate), which is vital for rural livelihoods and poverty reduction despite contributing only 9.4% to GDP. The sector faces significant challenges, including land abandonment and low productivity, exacerbated by climate change and a lack of infrastructure, which disproportionately affects small and female farmers. In response, the state is implementing new technologies and subsidies to boost agricultural sustainability. Concurrently, education is a key government priority, with the 2021-2026 Government Programme and 2030 Education Strategy aiming to improve its quality and alignment with the labor market. While the VET system has historically struggled with a reputation for low quality, it is now seeing a growing interest, particularly from female students and secondary school graduates.
Objectives Improved knowledge and skills contribute to enhanced (self)-employment and increased incomes of VET graduates and professionals in agricultural and related fields.
Target groups The project will primarily target rural youth (including women and Nagorno Karabakh refugees). It will also support VET colleges, private sector organizations, and the new VET body institutionally, and the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports (MESCS) in policy reform.
Medium-term outcomes Outcome 1: State institutions provide the legal and regulatory framework that is enabling a functional VET system based on the new VET law. (macro-level) Outcome 2: The new VET body and private sector organisations ensure joint responsibility for the provision of VET services. (meso-level) Outcome 3: Private sector and colleges jointly provide improved skills and qualifications for female and male A-VET students, graduates and professionals. (micro-level)
Results Expected results: 1.1: State institutions establish a new VET body, provide an inclusive VET policy framework and develop private sector involvement mechanisms. 2.1: Private sector organizations are functional and have enough capacities to be involved in VET. 2.2: The new VET body is functional and has capacities to coordinate VET system as per its role and responsibilities. 3.1: Colleges offer high-quality VET services through updated curricula and
