CIU Vocational Education Center / Vocational Programs
Vocational Education Center of Caucasus International University was established in 2023. The aim of the center is to integrate into Georgian vocational education system. Upon completion of vocational programs, graduates are awarded a state-recognized bilingual (Georgian/English) certificate with a supplement. The Director of the Center is Ms.Tea Osepashvili, an expert in non-formal and vocational education.
Under the administration of the Vocational Education Center, the following vocational programs were implemented in 2024–2025:
- “Viticulture Specialist”– a vocational training program, 3rd Level of National Qualification Framework;
- “Winemaker-Technician”– a vocational retraining program, 4th Level of National Qualification Framework.
These programs were funded by the LEPL State Employment Support Agency. Both programs, implemented at Tbilisi and Okami bases, have a total of 42 graduates.
The program implementers are academic staff of CIU Faculty of Viticulture and Enology: Ms.Olani Gotsiridze, Mr. Lasha Bodaveli, Ms.Maia Mirvelashvili, and Ms. Londa Mamaskhilashvili; as well as industry/viticulture specialists: Mr. Vazha Ozashvili and Mr.Temur Kapanadze.
The University has also obtained authorization to implement the vocational training program“Geriatric Assistant”(3rd Level).
The program implementers are academic staff of CIU Faculty of Medicine: Ms. Maka Gabidzashvili, Ms. Nano Shvangiradze and Ms.Ketevan Veliashvili.
The following programs are implemented by CIU Vocational Education Center:
- Winemaker-Technician – a vocational retraining program, 4th Level of National Qualification Framework.
Program Duration: 10 weeks
Average Weekly Workload: 14 hours (total: 146 hours)
Classes are conducted both in classrooms and in a real working environment at the University facilities. The course is connected with the technological cycle of wine production in relation to the seasons. It is possible to use grapes stored in cold storage facilities to achieve the relevant learning outcomes.
Program Objective: To retrain qualified technicians working in the winemaking sector and to supply the labor market with skilled personnel, taking into account international experience in vocational education as well as national traditions and specific characteristics.
Employment Opportunities: Viticulture and winemaking companies, farming enterprises or self-employment within a family-owned farm.
- Viticulture Specialist – a vocational retraining program, 3rd Level of National Qualification Framework.
Program Duration: 6 weeks
Average Weekly Workload: 22 hours (total: 132 hours)
Classes are conducted both in classrooms and in a real working environment at the University facilities.
Program Objective: To train a highly qualified specialist in the field of viticulture who will be able to: select and prepare vineyard areas, establish vineyards, carry out seasonal vineyard operations in accordance with agrotechnological standards, harvest, store and market grapes. The graduate is a qualified worker who performs tasks assigned by a viticulturist or a viticulturist–winemaker within the framework of their duties.
Employment Opportunities: Viticulture and winemaking companies, farming enterprises, or self-employment within a family-owned farm.
- “Geriatric Assistant” – a vocational training program, 3rd Level of National Qualification Framework.
Program Duration: 8 weeks
Average Weekly Workload: 18 hours (total: 144 hours)
Enrollment in the program is open to any interested person aged 18 and above who wishes to be employed as a caregiver in a long-term care institution and to study modern approaches to caring for elderly (geriatric) individuals.
Practical classes are conducted at the University facilities. During the program, a visit to a real working environment is planned.
Program Objective: To enable learners to acquire knowledge and skills tailored to the care needs of elderly (geriatric) individuals, which includes: providing care with consideration of illnesses and individual characteristics; effective communication; performing care-related procedures; nutrition; maintaining hygiene; dressing and undressing; bed preparation, changing bed linen and personal linen; assistance with mobility; ensuring patient safety creating a comfortable and accessible environment for the patient and assisting with mobility; observing sanitary, hygienic, and epidemiological standards.
Employment Opportunities: Long-term healthcare facilities (nursing homes, home and community-based services, day care centers).
Registration for the programs is announced periodically on the website of the Education Management Information System:https://vet.emis.ge/#/training-programs
Registration is also possible with the assistance of CIU Vocational Education Center.
Contact Information:
Ms.Viktoria Gegechkori, Student/Learner Affairs Officer, CIU Vocational Education Center
Email: viktoria.gegechkori@ciu.edu.ge
Tel: +995 598 15 88 80
Ms.Tea Osephashvili, Director, CIU Vocational Education Center
Email: tea.osephashvili@ciu.edu.ge
Tel: +995 599 97 02 77
The Vocational Education Center of Caucasus International University continues to work on the development and implementation of new programs in various fields, in accordance with modern labor market demands and taking into consideration both national and international experience.
Useful links:
Ministry of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia (Vocational Education)
https://mes.gov.ge/prof_edu.php?id=3&lang=geo&csrt=14178766383318486068
Skills Agency of Georgia:
https://www.facebook.com/SkillsAgencyGeorgia/?locale=ka_GE
National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement (Vocational Education):
https://eqe.ge/ka/page/parent/948/profesiuli-saganmanatleblo-datsesebulebebis-avtorizacia
National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement (Vocational Training and Vocational Retraining Programs):
https://eqe.ge/ka/page/parent/769/profesiuli-momzadeba-da-profesiuli-gadamzadeba
State Employment Support Agency:
https://worknet.moh.gov.ge/
https://www.facebook.com/worknet.gov.ge/?locale=ka_GE
Georgian Farmers’ Association:
https://gfa.org.ge/
Company Esco-S:
https://www.facebook.com/escosbazaleti/