Armenian Policy Makers Visit Lyon to Strengthen Vocational Education Through IMPROVET-AM

As part of the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in VET initiative, the IMPROVET-AM project hosted a high-level delegation of Armenian policy makers in Lyon, France, from April 7 to 8, 2025. Organized by SEPR, the visit focused on job shadowing, institutional exchange, and cooperation in the fields of guidance, vocational training, and employment services. 

A dissemination event on April 7 at SEPR brought together institutional leaders and representatives from both countries. Opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Christian DROZ, President of SEPR, and Ms. Claire CHALLANDE-OSUNA, Head of SEPR’s International Department.

The event also welcomed distinguished guests, including:

• Ms. Nariné NIKOLYAN, Consul General of Armenia in Lyon

• Mr. Karen MANUKYAN, Director of the Department of Vocational Education and Training at the Armenian Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports

• Mr. Jora SARGSYAN, Director of Labor and Employment at the Armenian Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs

• Ms. Gohar GRIGORYAN, General Director of CEPFA

• Ms. Marina MARTIROSYAN, Director of the Gyumri State Medical College

• Representatives from the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region, the City and Metropole of Lyon, the Rockefeller School, and Radio Arménie

During the morning, participants learned more about IMPROVET-AM and the complementary MOSAIC project. The visit also included an immersive experience at the Caravane des Métiers—a flagship initiative led by Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Orientation to introduce careers through cutting-edge tools such as virtual reality and live demonstrations.

In the afternoon, strategic exchanges explored future cooperation between Armenia and SEPR, followed by a tour of SEPR's vocational training facilities. 

April 8 was dedicated to understanding how France structures its guidance and employment services at the regional level. The Armenian delegation visited the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Regional Council, where they met with:

• Mr. Jacques BLANCHET, Vice President for vocational training and apprenticeships

• Ms. Alexandra CHAMBAZ, Deputy Director for Training and Guidance

• Mr. Francis BOULAMOY, Head of Francophonie and Development at the International Relations Department

The day continued with a session on validation of non-formal and informal learning (VAE) hosted by CARIF-OREF, showcasing the tools France employs to support lifelong learning and skill recognition. 

These two intensive days offered fertile ground for peer learning and policy exchange. They provided Armenian policy makers with a deeper understanding of how public institutions, local authorities, and training centers collaborate to support inclusive education and employment pathways.