As reports Finance Time, referring to the “E-Azerbaijan.info”, dynamic development of the construction sector and the use of modern technologies create new demands in the labor market. It is already a fact that positions requiring professional skills are seeking specialists. It is obvious that from one hand employers demand high professionalism, and from the other hand, limited number of qualified specialists creates a certain vacuum in the labor market and this situation impedes development of business sector. For this reason, Holcim Cement Centre started its activities with informational workshops about the new European standards in the construction sector targeting the members.

Currently, within the Employment and Consultation Center, vocational training program have been launched. The program carries two main objectives – to prepare skilled employees for the construction sector and to reduce the unemployment level among the young people of the Sahil community. 30 people from the community are engaged to the following capacity-building activities: masonry, electrician and specialist on assembling PVC doors and windows. Participants successfully completing the training program will work in the construction sector for 1 month as apprentices under the supervision of a master. In addition to the practical component, along with the professional standards, the participants will also be instructed on occupational safety.

Implementation of set of activities in the first 3 months shows that the program meets the requirements of the construction sector, creates new career opportunities for participants, helps to stiffen their spirit and provides a ground for being more successful in the labor market due to the acquired new skills. Successful outcomes of the project will provide an opportunity to further expansion of this program by Holcim.