Nodira Khodjiakbarovna
Tourism consultant Nodira Khodjiakbarovna is focused on youth employment with the help of the British Council’s projects. She began working with the British Council in 2013 when she was head of the department at Yunusabad College of Tourism. The college was one of the pilot sites for the English for Tourism project and later implemented the Skills for Tourism and Skills for Employment programmes.
The English for Tourism programme focused on refreshing the approach to learning English – one of the most important skills for tourism workers. The programme placed particular importance on the development of speaking skills.
“Spoken English helped the students overcome existing barriers in communication,” says Khodjiakbarovna. “Prior to this programme, even those with fairly good theoretical knowledge in a foreign language did not know how to apply it in practical conditions. So young tourism professionals weren’t able to fully communicate with international clients.”
Tourism colleges from four regions across Uzbekistan took part in the three-year-long programme, which included role-playing scenarios drawn from the hospitality and tourism sectors. Using well-developed dialogues, simulations of real-life situations and games, students developed confidence and learned to be proactive.
Yunusabad College of Tourism represented the Tashkent region. Nodira notes that the tourism graduates who participated had high rates of employment and university admission. Many continue to work successfully for international tourism organisations, tour operators, restaurants, hotels and airports.
Nodira Shaabasova says the first project wasn’t only fruitful for students, but also for teachers. “We learned about the relationship between education, family and employment, and the importance of developing and implementing this relationship in our work system. Working with leading foreign experts, such as Jane Norman and Keith Tetley, among others, played a significant role,” she says.
The British Council’s projects strengthened and developed her understanding of how to train specialists to be successful in the modern job market. She learned the importance of market analysis and of identifying which knowledge and skills graduates need, as well as which have become obsolete.
“Future professionals must be trained using solid analysis of the labour market, including the needs of potential employers. Otherwise, we will return to a system that turns out graduates with a lot of knowledge but few practical skills,” she emphasises.
The courses included modules on professional standards and international communication with visitors, guests and clients. Competency assessments were conducted for specialists in leisure tourism as well as other areas, including energy, construction and agriculture. Students also honed their translation skills through participation in international forums, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Tashkent.
The British Council’s Skills for Employability programme (2018–2020) developed students’ professional standards according to job market requirements. They also learned practical employment skills, such as public speaking, presenting, writing a CV and creating documentation.
Nodira says the British Council’s projects have been especially helpful in supporting participants’ successful integration into the workplace in the shortest possible time. “After just two or three weeks of internal training at a new workplace, our graduates can work productively,” she adds.
“For the 25th anniversary of the British Council in Uzbekistan, I wish to further continue this work and to involve more local specialists, making an even greater contribution to the development of Uzbekistan’s youth!”