With the swift transformation of global labor markets driven by automation, artificial intelligence, and evolving economic needs, Uzbekistan is rethinking how it equips its workforce. The nation is moving its attention away from simply tracking employment numbers towards developing a capable and flexible labor force.
This change is part of wider initiatives aimed at enhancing job prospects, lowering poverty levels, and making sure that technical education aligns with the demands of the workforce.
As per the president of Uzbekistan's press service, the government aimed at the start of the year to generate 5.2 million job openings, offer vocational training to over 1 million individuals, and help 1.5 million people escape poverty by the end of 2025. Significantly, in just the first half of the year, more than 3 million people were already involved in paid work.
As of June 2025, the unemployment rate in Uzbekistan was approximately 5.1%, affecting over 781,600 individuals. Additionally, there were roughly 4.9 million people who were not actively participating in the labor force. This category consists of individuals involved in pursuits like education, caregiving for children or family members, on maternity leave, or those unable to enter the workforce at this time.
As per the government's initiative, a plan aimed at generating 5.2 million job opportunities caters to the requirements of new participants in the labor market, such as university and college graduates, repatriated workers, individuals looking for improved employment prospects, and those who are underutilized in their current roles. The employment approach is crafted not only to decrease unemployment but also to boost economic development and alleviate poverty in a more extensive manner.
Shifting from roles to competencies: A new perspective
The nation has broadened access to vocational education and training to enable more individuals, particularly those who are unemployed or working in roles that do not fully utilize their abilities, to gain hands-on skills that match current economic demands.
At present, the nation operates 80 vocational skill centres capable of training approximately 250,000 individuals each year. Brief courses ranging from 1 to 6 months have been arranged to equip people with the necessary expertise for jobs that are highly sought after in the job market. These programmes might cover areas such as computer graphics, web development, and language learning, among others. In newly developing and expanding service industries, hands-on training is also offered for roles including call centre representatives, HR auditors, and secretary-receptionists.
talked to Shahlo Turgunova, a junior intern, who described her time in the Tashkent area.
"I have developed an even greater interest in the vocational skills centre," she said.
Shahlo is presently enrolled at the Akkurgan district vocational skills centre, which consistently provides training in contemporary and industry-relevant occupations. A four-party agreement has been established with a clothing manufacturing company to develop qualified professionals tailored to the client's requirements.
Addressing the skills gap
Although Shahlo is eager, obstacles still exist. As per the latest statistics, almost 45% of employers in Uzbekistan indicate challenges in locating qualified employees, highlighting the discrepancy between training initiatives and the needs of the job market.
Previously, certain employers were reluctant to openly inform state employment centers about job openings because of legal responsibilities, including fines for not hiring candidates recommended by the centers. This led to incomplete labor market information, making it difficult to develop effective training initiatives.
To tackle this issue, Uzbekistan is now adopting a more unified strategy. Training initiatives are synchronized with real job openings, companies can now list positions without concerns about repercussions, and employment agencies serve as facilitators, enabling job seekers to connect with employers in a more effective and open manner.
Engaging the private industry in skill development Including the commercial sector in education programs Involving corporate entities in workforce preparation Collaborating with private organizations in training initiatives Involving business sectors in educational programs Involving commercial enterprises in skill enhancement Involving private companies in vocational training Involving business organizations in training activities
Although vocational centers have historically received government funding, there are currently initiatives aimed at engaging the private sector in providing training and maintaining facilities.
"Currently, all vocational skills centres in the country are funded by the government," said Farrukh Hamroev, chief specialist at the Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction of the Republic of Uzbekistan. "By engaging the private sector, they can contribute through this collaboration, upgrade the centres, and provide better training for more skilled workers," he added.
In the Kibray area, a facility is undergoing redevelopment to focus on construction and machinery production. The initiative has a total value of around €545,000, with over €136,000 provided by private backers. The centre will have the capacity to educate 1,500 construction and 350 mechanical engineering professionals annually.
Technological solutions to enhance openness in the job market
To make the job search and recruitment process more efficient, a new online platform will launch on 1 January 2026, aiming to connect employers with job seekers more effectively. Employers will have the ability to quickly list job vacancies on the platform, while job seekers can set up profiles and get matched with positions that suit their expertise and credentials. A specialized team will assess applications and suggest the most suitable candidates to employers.
Vocational coupons: A fresh assistance method
Beginning in November 2025, Uzbekistan is set to launch a "vocational voucher" initiative designed to assist individuals in accessing vocational education, functioning similarly to a loan to cover tuition fees.
Once the course is finished, a certificate is obtained, and employment is secured, the individual will settle the loan with the State Employment Assistance Fund within the next two years. The amount subsidized by the vocational voucher is based on the training program's cost determined by the vocational center, and there is no officially disclosed upper cap.
Some groups, such as individuals with disabilities and those listed as living in poverty, will not be required to repay.
During their training, certain participants will also be given a monthly allowance equal to the minimum wage, which amounts to €87. This financial assistance is intended for individuals with disabilities, those from low-income households enrolled in courses that last more than three months, and people who move from their hometown district to continue their studies.
A more inclusive system
Uzbekistan's vocational initiatives emphasize not just the enhancement of technical abilities but also the assistance provided to marginalized groups.
Preferred access to job referral opportunities will be provided to individuals with disabilities, victims of domestic violence, orphans, and those without family support, along with families classified as living in poverty.
In every feasible situation, these individuals will be provided with job opportunities near their residences, thereby reducing challenges associated with commuting and moving.