Azerbaijan inclusive education and youth employment

The ‘SkillBridge – Inclusive Education for Inclusive Employment’ project has been launched in Baku to support individuals with disabilities and neurodiversity. Established at the Baku State Vocational Training Center for Culture and Craftsmanship, the new Inclusive Training and Teaching Center provides workshops for graphic design, web design, wood carving, and retail, alongside specialized training in confectionery and clerical roles. The initiative aims to enroll 100 participants and guarantee employment for at least 60 people.

Discussions regarding the effectiveness of vocational education and employment integration have gained prominence as experts note a decline in interest in colleges. This trend is attributed to difficulties graduates face in securing employment and limited pathways to higher education. While sectors such as medicine remain stable, other vocational graduates struggle to enter the labor market.

In response, Deputy Minister of Science and Education Firudin Qurbanov has emphasized the necessity of bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills, calling for modernized, flexible vocational training and technology integration to meet international standards. To address unemployment caused by a lack of hands-on experience, officials are seeking better alignment between curricula and labor market demands.

Additionally, the Ministry of Science and Education and the State Employment Agency organized a career fair for graduates of the State Program for Youth Education Abroad. The event featured over 150 vacancies from more than 40 state and private organizations, aiming to integrate highly educated citizens into the national workforce.