Jaba Samushia spoke about aligning with the standards outlined in the Association Agreement with the European Union at the summary event of the accredited vocational retraining program "Laboratory Health and Safety." The acting rector of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University emphasized the importance and necessity of implementing European quality services in the fields of healthcare, agriculture, and the food industry. "This will contribute to both Georgia's integration process with the European Union and working according to international standards in our country. For this, it is essential to have the appropriate infrastructure and technologies, as well as specialists equipped with the necessary competencies and knowledge of these technologies. Therefore, the implemented vocational program has made a significant contribution to the development of this sector," stated Jaba Samushia, highlighting the need for the continuation of this project and the involvement of the southern regions of Georgia.

The EU-supported project "Continuous Education Courses in Laboratory Health and Safety for Young Professionals in Western and Eastern Georgia" is being implemented at four universities: TSU, Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University, Akaki Tsereteli State University (Kutaisi), and Jacob Gogebashvili Telavi State University. The project's goal is to establish vocational retraining programs in laboratory health and safety and, in close collaboration with the State Agency for Employment Promotion, to facilitate the employment of graduates.

At the project's preparatory stage, training courses for trainers were successfully conducted, a Georgian-language textbook was created, and modern equipment was used to equip training laboratories at the universities. The vocational retraining program in laboratory health and safety presented by all four universities successfully passed the process for obtaining the right to implementation at the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement and received state-recognized accreditation.

"Laboratory health is a very important field. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of qualified specialists in this area in Georgia. The project will enable us to address the gap in the labor market. The TSU Vocational Education Center has contributed to the preparation of this program, the accreditation process, and we have obtained the right to implement the program. Applicants and participants who complete this program receive a certificate recognized by the state. There is already a high demand for the graduates of this program in both the public and private sectors," stated Kakha Cheishvili, director of the TSU Vocational Education Center.

The event was attended by around 100 representatives from various organizations, including the EU Delegation to Georgia, the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia, the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement, implementing organizations of the project, beneficiary regional universities, the State Agency for Employment Promotion, the Professional Skills Agency, NGOs, employers, and others. At the meeting, the project team presented the work accomplished and the results achieved to the guests.

"The program helps not only new graduates seeking jobs in laboratory service areas but also those already involved in various laboratory work in the fields of nutrition, healthcare, and agriculture. Within the project, demonstration laboratories equipped with the latest technologies and equipment were created and put into operation, and a textbook was prepared. Most importantly, a foundation was established so that after the project’s completion, the retrained trainers, including academic staff from Tbilisi State University and invited educators, are ready to continue the program. This is very important for the sustainability of the program," emphasized Nino Inasaridze, a professor at TSU and project coordinator.

At the event, graduates of the program shared their experiences and impressions. A panel discussion was held between participants and employers to explore collaboration opportunities to support the development of professional skills in response to the needs of the labor market and contemporary challenges. “I believe that knowledge of laboratory health and safety is essential for those involved in laboratory activities. This issue was highlighted during the pandemic. This course has provided me with significant experience, both theoretically and practically. This course deserves great recognition and trust from employers,” stated Mariam Gogiberidze, a student in the "Laboratory Health and Safety" program.