Uzbekistan piloted interactive training for employment counsellors

TASHKENT (ILO News) - As part of the Global Accelerator project in Uzbekistan which aimed at employment formalization, the ILO and the MoEPR successfully piloted interactive training tools for employment counsellors on 25 November 2025. Effective matching of jobseekers with vacancies has become increasingly important to support the fast growing Uzbek economy.

© ILO

© ILO

Twenty experienced employment counsellors participated in the session, testing newly developed training materials designed by the ILO. The training emphasized practical application of theories, building assessment interview skills through role play and peer feedback. The pilot confirmed the effectiveness of the tools and methods, paving the way for scaling up the training to benefit counsellors across the country.

Why interviewing matters

Interviewing jobseekers is a core responsibility of employment counsellors. It requires understanding each jobseeker’s situation, identifying their needs and recommending suitable jobs, actions or services. Effective interviews are critical because they determine the type of support and services provided.

Innovative training approach

Building on the ILO guide “How to Support a Jobseeker? Handbook for Employment and Career Development Counsellors”, the ILO developed interactive training tools to strengthen employment counsellors’ skills in assessing jobseekers. The new tools use case analysis and roleplay, enabling participants to apply knowledge in practice, share experiences and receive peer feedback.

Commitment to scale up

The MoEPR welcomed the positive results and committed to implement the training in other locations, starting with Fergana city in February 2026. The next training will be co-facilitated by one of the participants of the pilot session, assuring sustainability and local ownership of the training.

“The ILO has been supporting capacity building of public employment services in Uzbekistan in partnership with our constituents. We will continue this collaboration as employment challenges today require better labour market intermediation,” said Mikhail Pouchkin, Director of the ILO Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

Through a series of training of employment counsellors, the MoEPR and the ILO promote the application of modern employment counselling techniques and help reduce mismatches in the labour market.

The Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions, which focuses on employment formalization, has been made possible through support from the UN Joint SDG Fund, with generous contributions from the European Union and the governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Their commitment plays a crucial role in helping countries like Uzbekistan turn ambitious SDG pledges into real, people-centred results on the ground.