Uzbek breaks ground by earning electrician certification via Korean training initiative

Dilmurodov Lazizbek poses after passing Uzbekistan’s first national technician qualification exam supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). Courtesy of KOICA

Before becoming the first person in Uzbekistan to earn an electrician certification, Dilmurodov Lazizbek made a living selling goods in his hometown of Shahrisabz. Now, after completing a year of vocational training supported by Korea’s development agency, he is stepping into a future that he once thought was unattainable.

Lazizbek completed a training course at a center built by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and then passed a newly introduced national qualification exam. Held in May and June, the test attracted more than 200 applicants across three fields: automobile maintenance, welding and electrical work. Thirty candidates passed, with Lazizbek becoming the country’s first officially certified electrician.

“I studied electrical systems through a KOICA program,” said Lazizbek during the certificate ceremony in Tashkent on June 26. “Now I have proof of my skills, and I believe this will open doors for me both in Uzbekistan and internationally.”

The qualification exam forms part of a broader development initiative launched by KOICA in cooperation with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction. The Human Resources Development Service of Korea provided technical support in designing the exam materials and assessment standards.

This June 3 photo shows the practical skills test site for Uzbekistan’s first national technician qualification exam, supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). Courtesy of KOICA

With over 60 percent of its population under the age of 30, Uzbekistan sees around half a million young people enter the job market each year. The government has made developing the technical workforce a national priority.

Since 2012, KOICA has established vocational training centers in five major cities in Uzbekistan: Tashkent, Samarkand, Shahrisabz, Fergana and Urgench. These centers report an average employment rate of over 90 percent for graduates. The Urgench center, which is still under development, was recently visited by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, highlighting official support for the initiative.

KOICA also plans to launch a teacher training facility in Tashkent to improve instructional standards nationwide.

Lazizbek now hopes to pass on his knowledge to younger students in his community.

“Receiving this certificate was a turning point for me,” he said. “I want to help others develop their skills, too.”

This May 21 photo shows the written test site for Uzbekistan’s first national technician qualification exam, supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). Courtesy of KOICA