UpGrade

New training centre for Uzbekistan's hotel industry: ‘UpGrade’ successfully established

The Bildungswerk der Sächsischen Wirtschaft (bsw) has completed an important pilot project in collaboration with the Uzbek Hoteliers Association (AHU): the establishment of a vocational training and further education facility for the hotel and catering industry in Uzbekistan. The new UpGrade training centre is the first to offer systematic training for professionals in the tourism sector – tailored to needs, practical and sustainable.

Goal of the project

The project aimed to improve the qualifications of skilled workers and managers in the hotel and restaurant industry – an important step towards ensuring service quality and combating the shortage of skilled workers in a booming industry.

Measures during the course of the project

  • A wide range of measures were implemented during the 2023/2024 project period:
  • Analysis and needs assessment among AHU member companies regarding further training requirements
  • Study trip to Germany with visits to vocational training providers, hotels and industry associations
  • Foundation and registration of the new educational institution ‘UpGrade’ as an NGO
  • Training for AHU staff in the areas of marketing and financing
  • First pilot courses, including restaurant service, culinary arts and teacher training
  • Development of new consulting services, e.g. for participation in ITB Berlin
  • Networking with international partners such as GIZ, the Goethe-Institut and the Ministry of Tourism

Results & Prospects

‘UpGrade’has been recognised by the state and has proven its practical viability with its first successful training courses. The AHU can now independently identify further training needs and develop tailor-made programmes. However, further structural and personnel reinforcement is needed to ensure sustainable development.

Project promoter: Bildungswerk der Sächsischen Wirtschaft (bsw)

Local partner: As an industry representative for over 80 hotels and restaurants in Uzbekistan, the Association of Hoteliers of Uzbekistan (AHU) contributes its expertise and networks to ensure that training content is market-oriented and sustainable.

Duration: 16 months (2023/2024)

 

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