Vocational School (College) Licensing and Authorization
Vocational education is one of the fastest-growing and prioritized sectors in Georgia. Unlike universities, opening a vocational college focuses on teaching practical skills demanded by the labor market. Establishing a vocational educational institution requires undergoing Authorization, which differs from opening a simple training center. An authorized college issues state-recognized professional diplomas. The process requires developing modular educational programs, finding partners for industrial practice, and setting up specific material-technical bases (workshops, laboratories).
This service is designed for entrepreneurs who want to establish a vocational college or add vocational programs to an existing educational institution. The Legal.ge team will help you navigate the complex authorization path and create a successful educational business.
What Does the Vocational College Authorization Service Cover?
Given the specifics of vocational education, our service focuses on practical components:
- Compliance with Framework Documents: Drafting vocational educational programs (modules) in accordance with national framework requirements.
- Partnership Memorandums: Concluding legally sound agreements with potential employers and practice sites, a mandatory condition for authorization.
- Material Resource Audit: Checking workshops and equipment for compliance with safety and industry standards.
- Teacher Qualifications: Defining qualification requirements for vocational education teachers and preparing employment contracts.
- Dual Education Model: Legal implementation of work-based learning (dual) approaches.
- Representation: Protecting interests at the Council of Authorization of Vocational Educational Institutions.
Common Real-World Scenarios and Needs
The following problems are common when establishing vocational colleges:
- Practice Site Issues: A college wants to add a culinary program but cannot sign an appropriate contract with a restaurant, or the contract does not meet standards.
- Safety Standards: Authorization experts identified violations regarding labor safety when working with heavy machinery.
- Program Mismatch: The submitted modular program does not align with labor market research results, leading the Council to refuse authorization.
- Budget Planning: The costs of the practical component are incorrectly calculated in the financial sustainability document.
Georgian Legal Framework
The process is regulated by the Law of Georgia on Vocational Education and the Regulation on Authorization of Educational Institutions. These laws define the status of a vocational college, teaching levels, and qualifications. Industry-specific regulations (e.g., in healthcare or construction) imposing additional infrastructure requirements are also important.
Service Process
The authorization process consists of:
- Market Research Analysis: The lawyer checks how well the need for the program is substantiated (which is mandatory).
- Infrastructure Preparation: Regularizing the legal status of the building and equipment.
- Documentation Submission: Submitting the application to the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement.
- Appeal Process: Appealing in case of a negative decision.
Why Choose a Specialist on Legal.ge?
Vocational education authorization differs from higher education and requires specific knowledge of regulations concerning modular learning and industrial practice. Lawyers represented on Legal.ge will help you avoid typical mistakes and successfully pass authorization.
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