Assisting Workforce Education in the Republic of Georgia

Abstract

Continuing work by US and Canadian community and technical colleges with colleagues and partners at higher education institutions offering vocational education programs in the Republic of Georgia provides a useful case study of how key elements of the community college model can be applied to reform programs affecting educational policy systems in emerging market economies. This chapter uses a theoretical framework informed by research on public–private partnerships and community capitals to analyze workforce education and training initiatives informed by government, industry, and community needs. Examples of such initiatives include infusing workforce skills and competencies into vocational education curricula, updating pedagogical methods through retraining for teachers, and expanding the governance paradigm of vocational education programs offered at universities, colleges, and vocational centers to reflect the importance of the workforce needs of business and industry. To actively apply a community college model in the Republic of Georgia and elsewhere requires (1) supportive partners among educational policymakers and academics, (2) international donors who continue their commitment to a reform initiative over enough time to see results, and (3) an approach which focuses on national and regional workforce development priorities. Students, parents, and other community stakeholders also need to understand that one of the most important measurements for vocational education reform over time is expanded job opportunities for students after graduation.

Citation

Maney, A. (2012), "Assisting Workforce Education in the Republic of Georgia", Wiseman, A.W., Chase-Mayoral, A., Janis, T. and Sachdev, A. (Ed.) Community Colleges Worldwide: Investigating the Global Phenomenon (International Perspectives on Education and Society, Vol. 17), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 153-181. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1479-3679(2012)0000017010