A student project  “Innovations in the Customs System of Georgia: Employment Opportunities and Challenges for Vocational Students” was successfully implemented at the Vocational Education Center of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University in Kutaisi. The project was developed by students of the vocational programme “Customs Affairs” — Mariam Nemsadze, Elene Mzhavia, Marika Ivaniadze and Lika Lanchava.

Within the framework of the project, a presentation was held at TSU Center of Vocational Education by customs officer Tamta Chakvetadze on the topic “The History of the Implementation of NCTS, Its Functioning, Tools and Its Importance in the Customs System.”

The event was attended by students, instructors, representatives of the administration, invited guests from the private sector, customs specialists, active customs officers and other interested persons.

During the second stage of the project, students of the TSU Vocational Education Center’s programmes “Customs Affairs” (Kutaisi) and “Freight Forwarding” (Kutaisi) participated in an off-site informational visit to the Batumi and Sarpi customs facilities.

At the Batumi Clearance Economic Zone, students became familiar with the practical operation of the New Computerised Transit System (NCTS), including customs declaration procedures and cargo inspection stages in cases where shipments are routed through the risk corridor. At the Sarpi Customs Checkpoint, students observed customs procedures on site, including the control of passenger and freight vehicle movement, as well as the work of the canine service in a simulated environment, where detection of contraband and narcotics using service dogs was demonstrated. At the Batumi Sea Port, students observed the ferry transportation process and the port’s day-to-day operations in a real working environment.

As noted by Lasha Chakvetadze, Head of the vocational programme “Customs Affairs,” student projects play a particularly important role in the teaching and learning process. “Projects not only enhance students’ practical engagement but also strengthen their professional self-confidence, teamwork, and sense of responsibility. It is through such initiatives that theoretical knowledge is effectively connected to a real working environment,” he stated. According to him, as a result of the project implemented in Kutaisi, students gained a deeper understanding of the structure and challenges of the customs system, established professional contacts and realized the significance of their future role in the professional field.

The student project was implemented with the support of the TSU Center of Vocational Education, the Revenue Service and the Customs Department.