- Tajikistan launches a program enabling citizens aged 16-70 to become certified drone pilots in just two months.
- The initiative targets modern labor market skills, especially in agriculture, technology, and emerging industries.
- Training is free, flexible, inclusive, and provides certificates, stipends, and job placement support.
Tajikistan has recently launched an innovative educational initiative aimed at transforming perceptions about age and technology while equipping citizens with practical skills for the modern labor market. The project enables individuals aged 16 to 70 to become certified drone pilots in just two months, demonstrating that technological expertise is not limited by age. This effort forms part of the government’s broader strategy to accelerate the country’s industrialization and support sustainable economic growth.
Approximately four months ago, Tajikistan introduced the large-scale program 'Improving Professional Skills and Employment Opportunities', which goes beyond traditional courses to provide citizens with targeted skills aligned with emerging industries. According to the Ministry of Employment and Labor Relations, “This program is designed not only to train professionals but to prepare our workforce for the demands of modern agriculture and technology-driven sectors”, said a ministry spokesperson.
The focus on drones reflects a shift in the country’s agricultural landscape. Today, drones are no longer considered mere gadgets but 'smart assistants' that enhance efficiency for farmers and dekhkans, or smallholder farmers, while promoting sustainable agricultural practices. They are used for precision land fertilization, helping optimize workflows, increase crop yields, and reduce costs. “To fully harness these benefits, we need qualified drone operators who can manage this technology effectively, our government is committed to providing this training free of charge, making it accessible to everyone”, explained Farid Shodiev, Project Coordinator at the Skill Development Center in Dushanbe.
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The program is designed to be highly accessible and flexible. Participants undergo intensive training over two months, with classes offered in two daily shifts from 8:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 17:00, allowing students to choose the schedule that suits them. The course welcomes school graduates, working professionals, and even retirees, creating a diverse learning environment. Notably, women and young people aged 16 to 30 make up the majority of trainees, reflecting the program’s emphasis on inclusivity.
Graduates of the course receive an internationally recognized certificate, a one-time stipend of $120 for women, and job recommendations to facilitate employment. “We want our graduates to leave not just with knowledge, but with opportunities to apply their skills in real-world settings”, said Shodiev.
The training is conducted at the main center in Dushanbe, while six additional centers across the country provide specialized programs for agriculture, energy, tourism, and professional services. These centers, established with support from the Asian Development Bank, aim to address the shortage of skilled professionals in emerging technology sectors. Organizers emphasize that the initiative is an important support mechanism for job seekers, enabling Tajik citizens to meet the evolving demands of the labor market and contribute to the country’s industrial and technological advancement.
