President Ilham Aliyev attended the inauguration of the Lankaran State Vocational Education Center on February 25, marking a significant step in the modernization of regional specialized training in Azerbaijan.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that Minister of Science and Education Emin Amrullayev briefed the head of state on the comprehensive facilities and advanced educational infrastructure established at the center.
The facility's history dates back to 1969 when it was founded as the Lankaran Technical Vocational School. In 2018, the Lerik Vocational School and the Lankaran Vocational Lyceum were merged to form the Lankaran State Vocational Education Center, which has operated as a public legal entity since 2024. The newly renovated campus now includes seven buildings, featuring specialized blocks for sports, dormitories, culinary training, and a guest house for practical instruction. The center is equipped with modern classrooms, informatics labs, a 300-seat assembly hall, and specialized workshops for CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining and automotive repair.
For the 2025/2026 academic year, the center hosts 962 students across 55 groups in 42 different specialties. The curriculum covers vital sectors such as tourism, agriculture, industry, IT, and alternative energy. New modern disciplines have been introduced, including cybersecurity, computer network administration, hybrid vehicle maintenance, and the installation of solar panels. The institution maintains close partnerships with approximately 30 public and private enterprises to ensure students receive hands-on production training and masterclasses from industry experts.
The development of vocational education is a key pillar of Azerbaijan's national strategy to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on the oil sector. By establishing high-tech training centers in regions like Lankaran, the government aims to align the workforce with the requirements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and provide youth with competitive skills in the global labor market. This initiative reflects the broader commitment of the Republic of Azerbaijan to human capital development and regional socio-economic growth.
