As part of efforts to enhance the professional knowledge and competencies of its staff, the National Agency for Quality Assurance in Education hosted a training session on “The Current State of the National Qualifications System and the National Qualifications Framework. Development of Professional Standards.”

During the training, the Director of the Institute and responsible specialists provided participants with detailed information on the work being carried out in Uzbekistan to develop the National Qualifications System, the results achieved to date, the current institutional structure of the system, and its key priorities for the future.

In particular, the participants were briefed on the role of the National Qualifications Framework in ensuring coherence between the labour market and the education system, the requirements applicable to different qualification levels, and the interrelationship between the processes of developing, assessing and recognising qualifications. It was emphasised that the National Qualifications Framework enables learning outcomes at different levels of education and professional activity outcomes to be described according to common criteria, while ensuring the transparency and comparability of qualifications.

The meeting also provided an in-depth review of the functions of the 24 sector skills councils currently operating in the country, as well as the activities they are undertaking during the current year. Particular attention was given to the role of sector skills councils in analysing labour market needs in relevant sectors, identifying occupations that are currently in demand as well as emerging occupations, developing and updating professional standards, and integrating employers’ requirements for qualifications and competencies into the National Qualifications System.

The participants were also informed that the development of professional standards should take into account labour market analysis, the direct involvement of employers, the content and development trends of professional activities, modern technologies and international experience. It was emphasised that the regular review and updating of professional standards is essential to maintaining their practical relevance and effectiveness.

The event also included an exchange of views on establishing a coherent link between “labour market forecasting — the National Qualifications Framework — sectoral qualifications frameworks — professional standards — qualification standards — educational programmes — assessment and recognition of qualifications.” It was noted that developing educational programmes and learning outcomes based on the requirements set out in professional standards enables the content of workforce training to be aligned more closely with employers’ needs.

The meeting further emphasised that the effective functioning of the National Qualifications System depends on close cooperation among government authorities, employers, sector skills councils, education and training institutions, and qualification assessment bodies. Such cooperation provides the necessary methodological and institutional foundation for timely identification of occupations, qualifications and competencies demanded by the labour market and their integration into the workforce development process.

At the conclusion of the training, priority tasks were identified to ensure the consistent development of the National Qualifications System, systematise the processes of developing and updating professional standards, improve the effectiveness of sector skills councils, strengthen employer participation, and align the education system with both current and future labour market needs.