On December 4, an online informational meeting was successfully held on the Erasmus+ program’s Capacity Building in VET action. During the meeting, participants received important information about funding opportunities offered by the program, application conditions, and project ideas. More than 80 representatives from VET institutions, HEIs, NGOs and other organizations participated in the meeting.

The meeting began with welcome speeches by Armenuhi Poghosyan: Head of the Department of Primary and Secondary Vocational Education at the RA Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sport and Ruben Topchyan: Director of the National Center for Professional Education Quality Assurance. They emphasized the importance of the program in developing vocational education institutions and fostering the acquisition of in-demand skills in the labor market.

Armenuhi Poghosyan emphasized the importance of the participation of Armenia’s VET institutions in European Union grant programs in the context of institutional internationalization, broader collaborations, and capacity building. She also highly praised the efforts of the  National Erasmus+ Office in Armenia in supporting these processes.

Ruben Topchyan highlighted that autonomy serves as a “gateway” to development, and when applying for the program, it is essential not only to present what has already been achieved but also to underline the significant work that still lies ahead. According to him, successful programs are those that demonstrate a clear path of progress and future goals. Additionally, he stressed the importance of establishing effective and reliable partnerships, which contribute to the successful implementation of programs.

Lana Karlova: Coordinator of the National Erasmus+ Office in Armenia, presented the main objectives and conditions of the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in VET action, proudly noting that Armenia ranks first in the region for its VET projects (Currently, Armenia is participating in 11 projects, involving 29 institutions, Ukraine: 10 projects, 27 institutions, Georgia: 8 projects, 22 institutions, Moldova: 6 projects, 10 institutions, Azerbaijan: 6 projects, 12 institutions). She highlighted that the success of grant-winning institutions not only reflects the efforts of Armenia’s VET institutions in advancing vocational education but also serves as an inspiring example for other institutions, encouraging their active participation in strengthening institutional capacities, fostering skill development, and driving progress.

Arevik Ohanyan (Strategic Project Manager at Eurasia International University, Erasmus+ Higher Education Reform Expert) highlighted the importance of needs analysis and generating project ideas based on those needs.

The REnForce project, funded under the Erasmus+ ”Capacity Building in VET” action, was also introduced during the meeting. Arpine Manukyan (Human Resources Specialist at Arpi Solar LLC) shared their experiences in project development and creating a consortium and Hripsime Minasyan (Head of Education Quality Assurance at Gyumri Crafstman State School No. 4) presented the objectives, issues, and expected outcomes of the project.

At the end of the event, participants had the opportunity to address their questions to the speakers and receive additional information regarding the next steps related to the program.

This informational meeting is a vivid example of the efforts made by the Erasmus+ program to promote the development of VET institutions, enhance the quality of education in Armenia, and foster collaboration and capacity building among partner organizations.

It should be noted that the program’s call has already been announced. To create and submit your application for Erasmus+ Capacity Building in VET, watch the video tutorial (Capacity building project for VET – AM) from Erasmus+ World Wide Webinar. If you’re looking for project partners, use the Erasmus+ Partner search tool to connect with suitable applicants or organizations.

The National Erasmus+ Office in Armenia is ready to support the development of project proposals and the application process.

The presentations, pictures, and a recording of the event are available below.