Young people improved digital skills to enhance their employability

Tbilisi, Georgia, 4 September 2024 – More than 60 children and young people from the most vulnerable backgrounds in Tbilisi and in Batumi improved their digital skills as a result of the eight-month training programme Junior Tech organized by the Business and Technology University in partnership with UNICEF, the Batumi State University and other business organizations. The results were summarized at the closing event of the initiative held at the Business and Technology University.

The Junior Tech initiative was one of the partnership projects between UNICEF and business community in Georgia to equip young people with crucial skills to become competitive at a labour market. The programme was implemented in close partnership with the State Care Agency, the National Agency for Crime Prevention and Probation and civil society partners.  

Business organizations that supported the initiative were: TBC Bank, Liberty Bank, Exadel, Adjara Group, Tegeta Cars, HT Solutions, Lab Technology, Terminal, Lineate, B2C, Quantori, Girteka, Citypay io, Quick, Tag & Match, Niko’s Fund, Dinamo Tbilisi, Farmers’ Association, MedDiagnostics.  

“Many young people in Georgia, especially the most vulnerable, are not able to access to skill-development opportunities they need for employment”, said Jesper Moller, Representative of UNICEF in Georgia. 

“The role of education for inclusive economic and social development is crucial, and young people should be empowered for an uncertain future of work and to deal with unprecedented societal, environmental and economic challenges. The partnerships between governments, businesses, multilateral organizations and young people themselves are central to overcoming the skills gap and supporting youth employment. We are delighted that in partnership with the Business and Technology University, other business companies and our government partners, we were able to equip the most vulnerable young people with the knowledge and skills needed for further employment and career development”.

The trainings were organized in Tbilisi and Batumi and training modules included: basic MS programmes, cybersecurity and cyber hygiene, principles of digital technologies; tech courses like tech English, graphic design and social media marketing as well as career development courses such as searching for a job, creating digital portfolio, interviewing skills, designing CV, employment platforms. Lectures were facilitated by the experts and teachers of the Business and Technology University.

"As the Rector of Business and Technology University, I am immensely proud of our partnership with UNICEF on the Junior Tech project. This initiative has not only equipped some of Georgia's most vulnerable young people with vital digital skills but has also highlighted the power of collaboration between educational institutions, businesses, and international organizations like UNICEF. By working together, we are empowering the next generation with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world, enabling them to tackle future challenges with confidence and competence."Dr. Nino Enukidze, the Rector of the Business and Technology University.

During career bootcamps young people were able to meet with representatives of different business companies to learn about their practical experiences and to further enhance skills needed for their employment.

The initiative was part of the Business Advisory Council for Children, an innovative platform of UNICEF and business partnership aiming to support the realization of children’s rights in the context of the workplace, the labour market and the community.