The key facts

  • It was proposed to train welders at an Uzbek technical college using Norwegian methods
  • The first stage is upgrading the qualifications and certifying 10–20 instructors with a 1–2-week practical placement in Norway
  • Grants through Erasmus+ and European vocational education centers were discussed; the expert's visit to Tashkent is being considered for November 30

Proposal for training welders

Uzbekistan is considering launching a program to train welders for subsequent work in Norway. According to Kun.uz, citing the agency, during the negotiations it was proposed to introduce a welder training program based on Norwegian teaching methods at one of Uzbekistan's technical colleges.

A two-stage training scheme

The program is designed in two stages. First, the possibility of upgrading the qualifications and certifying 10–20 instructors is being considered, along with organizing a 1–2-week practical placement for them at production facilities in Norway. At the next stage, these specialists will train welders in Uzbekistan itself. Norwegian expert Erik Eng stated his readiness to develop a two-stage curriculum; the possibility of attracting joint projects and grants through Erasmus+ and European vocational education centers was also discussed.

Qualification requirements

According to the expert's assessment, an ISO certificate alone is not enough to work at offshore oil and gas and wind energy facilities: specialists must also have in-depth knowledge of occupational safety and specialized technological processes. As part of the visit to Tashkent planned for November 30, familiarization with the technical colleges' training facilities and practical training sessions are being considered.