Adult education in Georgia has undergone significant development, shaped by various legal and policy milestones over the years. Initially, adult education was influenced by the adoption of the Law on Higher Education (2004)[1], General Education (2005)[2], and Vocational Education (2007[3], 2018[4]), which laid the groundwork for an inclusive educational system. The Law on General Education aimed to promote lifelong learning and ensure equal educational opportunities for all citizens. The Concept Paper on Vocational Education (2005) further elaborated on adult education, and the Law on Vocational Education (2007, 2018) recognized vocational training as an essential part of lifelong learning.
Subsequent reforms and strategies, such as the Vocational Education and Training Development Strategy for 2013-2020, sought to align vocational education with labor market demands. The Unified Strategy for Education and Science for 2017-2021 placed a focus on alternative pathways for adult learners, promoting flexible and accessible educational options. Since 2019, Georgia has allowed any legal entity, through gaining the right from the NCEQE (National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement), to provide vocational training and retraining programs, after completion of which state-recognized certificate is issued that previously was part of non-formal education. Government Decree No. 131[5] Outlines the procedures for obtaining the right to implement such a program and issuing state-recognized certificates.
The most recent reform, the 2022-2030 Unified National Strategy of Education and Science of Georgia (UNSESG), continues to prioritize lifelong learning (LLL) and aims to expand vocational training and retraining programs through a more inclusive and flexible network of vocational education providers.
Present-day adult education policies in Georgia are guided by several strategic documents and legislative frameworks that emphasize vocational education, economic development, and social inclusion.
The Vocational Education Strategy 2024-2030 highlights adult education as a key priority, with plans to increase funding and expand vocational training and retraining programs to meet the diverse needs of adult learners.
Although vocational education institutions are accessible in all regions, the strategy aims to expand vocational education offerings to every municipality. This will be achieved by further expanding the network of vocational education providers using public school resources. With the support of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), schools will continue to strengthen their capacity to implement vocational training and retraining programs, increasing access to vocational education, particularly for rural and adult populations.
Additionally, new qualifications will be introduced at vocational education institutions. Alongside vocational educational programs, the scope and sectoral diversity of vocational training and retraining programs will expand, encouraging business sector involvement. This will serve as a crucial tool for adult education, providing opportunities to develop skills aligned with current and future labor market demands in a short period.
It is important to highlight that the Strategy envisions the introduction of a new funding model for VET providers. This model will be based on performance and outcome-oriented resource allocation, fostering competitiveness among institutions. Furthermore, the strategy emphasizes the diversification of funding sources to ensure sustainable financial support for vocational education.
The Law of Georgia on Facilitating Employment (2020)[6] outlines the government's approach to employment assistance, including vocational training and active labor market policies (ALMPs).
Additionally, Georgia introduced a revised regulation on the recognition of non-formal education (2019), which allows for the formal recognition of skills gained outside of the traditional education system (see section 8.5 Recognition of non-formal and informal learning). The Vocational Education Strategy 2024-2030 envisions expanding efforts in this direction and raising public awareness about the possibilities of recognizing non-formal education.
Career guidance systems have recently undergone enhancements, with efforts made to raise awareness about the importance and advantages of VET within the broader community. Qualified career guidance professionals are available in all public VET institutions. Additionally, the 2024-2030 Strategy for Professional Orientation, Counseling, and Career Guidance in Formal Education was recently approved by order No. 139/n of the Minister of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia on August 27, 2024[7]. This strategy aims to establish an inclusive career guidance framework within formal education, ensuring equal opportunities for adults to maximize their potential.