A delegation consisting of representatives of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan and students of vocational education institutions providing vocational and technical training paid a working visit to the Republic of Tajikistan from 27 to 30 May 2026. The delegation took part in the International Skills Forum Tajikistan – 2026, an international skills forum and professional competition held in Dangara District, Khatlon Region, Republic of Tajikistan.
This international forum was organized to demonstrate the practical skills of young specialists, improve the quality of vocational education, develop a training system that meets the needs of the labour market, and strengthen regional and international cooperation. In terms of its content, the forum corresponds to the key principles of internationally recognized skills competitions, including the approaches of the WorldSkills movement. Such competitions enable young people not only to demonstrate their professional skills, but also to strengthen their pride in their chosen profession, exchange international experience and define their future development path with greater confidence.
During the forum, participants discussed modern vocational and technical education programmes, the training of young specialists for a competitive labour market, the improvement of training and production activities, international experience in assessing professional skills, and ways to strengthen cooperation with employers. Particular attention was paid to developing the professional training of young people in energy, construction, manufacturing, services, transport and logistics, creativity and design.
On the first day of the forum, participants listened to presentations on the development of vocational education, increasing youth employment and training specialists who meet employers’ requirements, and also exchanged experience. A visit by the participants to the Nurek Hydropower Plant was of particular importance. This visit gave young specialists a clearer understanding of the practical significance of such areas as electrical work, energy, welding and technical maintenance. The reliable operation of major energy facilities requires highly qualified electricians, welders, equipment technicians and technical workers, which helped the young participants better understand the public importance of their chosen professions.
On the second day of the forum, the international skills competitions began. Young specialists from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, the People’s Republic of China and Türkiye demonstrated their skills in electrical work, plastering, electric and gas welding, and the installation and adjustment of solar energy equipment. At the beginning of the competition, participants received detailed safety instructions, after which practical tasks were assigned in each skill area. Over the course of 4–6 hours, the contestants were tested on accuracy, speed, technical literacy, compliance with safety rules and quality of work. Their completed tasks were assessed by independent international experts on the basis of technical criteria.
Such competitions show young people that a profession is not merely everyday labour, but also great responsibility, creativity, engineering thinking, technical culture and craftsmanship. A true master is not only a person who can work with their hands. A true professional is someone who can measure, calculate, read technical drawings, understand how equipment operates, follow safety rules and take responsibility for the quality of their work. Therefore, modern skilled trades are prestigious, promising and socially respected career paths for young people.
The successful performance of young specialists from Turkmenistan at this international competition was a particularly joyful and significant event. Nepes Rahmanberdiyev, a student of the Ashgabat Construction Secondary Professional School of the Ministry of Construction and Architecture of Turkmenistan, demonstrated a high level of mastery and won 2nd place. Ymamberdi Sohbetov, a trainee of the Ashgabat Energy Secondary Professional School of the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan, entered the top four strongest young specialists in a highly competitive international contest.
These results are not only the personal achievements of individual students. They are a concrete result of the work being carried out in our country to develop vocational education, equip young people with practical skills, and strengthen the link between production and the education system. Such achievements on the international stage clearly demonstrate the talent, diligence, determination and professional commitment of our youth.
