Outline:
Shifting Focus from Job Counting to Skill Development
As global labor markets undergo rapid transformation due to automation, artificial intelligence, and evolving economic demands, Uzbekistan is reevaluating its approach to preparing its workforce. The country is moving away from simply tracking job numbers and instead focusing on building a skilled and adaptable labor force.
This shift is part of broader efforts aimed at improving employment outcomes, reducing poverty, and ensuring that vocational education aligns with the realities of the labor market. According to the press service of the president of Uzbekistan, the government set ambitious goals at the start of the year: to create 5.2 million job opportunities, provide professional training to over 1 million people, and lift 1.5 million individuals out of poverty by the end of 2025. In just the first half of the year, more than 3 million people were already engaged in paid employment.
As of June 2025, the unemployment rate in Uzbekistan stood at around 5.1%, affecting more than 781,600 people. Additionally, there were approximately 4.9 million economically inactive individuals in the country. This group includes those who are currently studying, caring for children or family members, taking maternity leave, or not in a position to take up employment immediately.
The government’s plan to create 5.2 million jobs aims to address the needs of new labor market entrants, including university and college graduates, returning labor migrants, those seeking better job opportunities, and underemployed individuals. The employment strategy is designed not only to reduce unemployment but also to stimulate economic growth and alleviate poverty on a larger scale.
Expanding Vocational Training Opportunities
To ensure that more people, especially those currently unemployed or underemployed, can acquire practical skills aligned with real economic needs, Uzbekistan has expanded vocational training opportunities. Currently, the country has 80 vocational skills centers that can train about 250,000 people annually. Short-term courses lasting between 1 to 6 months have been organized to prepare individuals for professions in high demand, such as computer graphics, web programming, and foreign languages.
In newly emerging service sectors, practical training is also provided for roles like call-center operators, HR inspectors, and secretary-receptionists. Euronews spoke to Shahlo Turgunova, a young trainee, who shared her experience in the Tashkent region. “My interest in the vocational skills centre has grown even more,” she said. Shahlo is currently studying at the Akkurgan district vocational skills center, where training in modern, market-relevant professions is continuously offered. A four-way partnership agreement has been signed with a tailoring company to train skilled specialists according to the client’s needs.
Addressing the Skills Gap
Despite Shahlo’s enthusiasm, challenges remain. Recent data shows that nearly 45% of employers in Uzbekistan report difficulties finding skilled workers, highlighting the gap between training programs and labor market demands. In the past, some employers were hesitant to share job vacancies with state employment centers due to legal obligations, such as penalties for failing to hire referred candidates. This led to incomplete labor market data, making it difficult to plan effective training programs.
To address this, Uzbekistan is taking a more coordinated approach. Training programs are now aligned with actual job vacancies, and employers can post jobs without fear of penalties. Employment centers act as intermediaries, helping connect job seekers with employers more efficiently and transparently.
Involving the Private Sector in Training
While vocational centers have traditionally been state-funded, there are now efforts to involve the private sector in training delivery and infrastructure. Farrukh Hamroev, chief specialist in the Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction of the Republic of Uzbekistan, stated, “Currently, all vocational skills centers in the republic are publicly funded. If we involve the private sector, they can invest through this partnership, renovate the centers, and train more qualified personnel.”
In the Kibray district, a center is being redeveloped to specialize in construction and equipment manufacturing. The project is worth approximately €545,000, with more than €136,000 coming from private investors. The center will be able to train 1,500 construction and 350 mechanical engineering specialists per year.
Digital Tools for a Transparent Labor Market
To streamline the job search and hiring process, a new digital platform will be introduced on 1 January 2026. Employers will be able to easily post job openings directly on the platform, while job seekers can create profiles and be matched to jobs based on their skills and qualifications. A dedicated team will review applications and recommend the best candidates to employers.
Vocational Vouchers: A New Support Tool
Starting in November 2025, Uzbekistan will introduce a “vocational voucher” program to help people afford vocational training, acting like a loan to cover educational costs. After completing the course, earning a certificate, and securing a job, the individual will repay the loan to the State Employment Assistance Fund over the following two years. Certain groups, including persons with disabilities and those registered as living in poverty, will be exempt from repayment.
During their training, some participants will also receive a monthly stipend equivalent to the minimum wage, which is €87. This financial support will be provided to individuals with disabilities, people from low-income families attending courses lasting longer than three months, and those who relocate from their home district to pursue studies.
A More Inclusive System
Uzbekistan’s vocational reforms focus not only on skills development but also on supporting vulnerable communities. Priority access to job referrals will be given to people with disabilities, survivors of domestic violence, orphans, and those without parental care, as well as families registered as living in poverty. Whenever possible, these individuals will be offered employment opportunities close to their homes, helping to eliminate barriers related to travel and relocation.