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DEVELOPMENT OF PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION AND THE PROBLEMS OF YOUTH EMPLOYMENT IN UZBEKISTAN
Z. Ya. Khudoyberdiyev
K. Z. Khomitov
The feature of the development of the market economy is the national model of social policy, focused on the interests of rights, its addressed character and record of the demographic specifics of present-day Uzbekistan. Representing the most populous country in Central Asia (more than 28.2 million people), Uzbekistan has a relatively "young” population (children, teenagers and young people under 30 make about 64.0% of the population). The structure of the population of Uzbekistan occupies a high proportion of working age citizens (54.0%).
In recent years, the mutual influence of the educational market and the labor market have increasingly manifested themselves. Well-designed measures in education and training have provided positive results for the following three areas: reduction of the share of unemployed in terms of well-oriented, professionally trained young staff and retraining of redundant workers, provision of economic and social growth through the development of competitive areas of entrepreneurship, job creation, and oriented and highly skilled labor. The issue of human capital formation is essential for Uzbekistan in modern terms, dictated by our country’s integration into the world community to improve the competitiveness of goods and the economy as a whole. The prospects for socio-economic development that are associated with the strategy of transition to innovation-oriented economies are actively discussed on the governmental level, as well as in business and academic circles. Creating a large high-tech sector, as well as innovation in traditional sectors of the national economy, which in the future will concentrate production of competitive goods and services, the bulk of employment and up-moves, of course, will require a labor force of a qualitatively new level.
In this regard, further improvement of the education system becomes important for the production of qualified personnel. In terms of scientific and technological progress, growth, adaptability and productivity, a particularly heavy load of unemployment will fall on unskilled labor. Therefore, a rational organization of general and vocational education for young people that conforms with the development of the national economy and global trends in the labor market is required. In recent years, increasing numbers of young people consider getting a full education prerequisite for achieving their desired social status and higher material status, and as a guarantee against unemployment. Vocational training is an essential element of the
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labor market infrastructure, promoting support for balancing supply and demand in the labor market. This largely determines the effectiveness of the implementation of youth employment policy. Therefore, the training of skilled personnel in specialized secondary and vocational educational institutions is increasing year after year.
The strong economic growth achieved by the country is over 8% a year, which creates the necessary preconditions for the creation of new jobs in all sectors of the economy, primarily in small businesses. These rates cover the needs of young people in employment, formed by the increase in human resources, expansion of layoffs during restructuring, and unemployed youth. In this regard, particular attention should be paid to creating real opportunities for young people involved in business. One of the most effective anti-crisis measures was the development of the "Program for creation of jobs and secure employment for 2010”, with the result of 950 thousand jobs, with more than 600 thousand people (65.0%) of small businesses and farms, and more than 210 thousand jobs of home-based work.
The youth labor market is very mobile and dynamic. Due to realization of integrated measures to prevent and neutralize the effects of the global economic crisis, the measures outlined in the anti-crisis program for 2009-2012 for employment and social security, 566,300 people were employed in 2009, including 312,300 young people. Particular emphasis was put on employment of college graduates and persons transferred from military service, and returning migrant workers. During this period, 21,400 people out of 26,600 transferred military servicemen were employed, while 4,600 enrolled in educational institutions. Labor authority implemented specific measures for employment of more than 60 thousand citizens who have returned from migration, mainly in construction, industry, upgrading and services.
An important role among the measures of active youth employment policy should encourage employers, preserving and creating new and better jobs for young people in promising activities and production. Analysis showed that small and private business is a major source of job creation, providing up to 56.0-60.0% of employment. This trend will continue in the future. In accordance with the State program "Year of small business and entrepreneurship”, more than 956 thousand new jobs were provided in 2011, including 520 thousand only for youth.
An important area of job creation for youth is the development of inhouse work and crafts, as well as family business. According to the State program, more than 100 thousand new jobs in these areas will be created for young people in 2011. Moreover, the program provides thorough introduction of new facilities, development of production, transport, social and environmental infrastructure of over 70 thousand new jobs for young people.
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