Green Apprenticeships and Economic Inclusion for a Just Transition: New Opportunities for Young People in Armenia
Miassine Foundation and GAN Global are implementing a programme to develop apprenticeships in green economy professions in Armenia. Scheduled for 2026–2028, the project, “Green Apprenticeships and Economic Inclusion for a Just Transition,” promotes access to professional skills and sustainable employment for young people, particularly women and rural communities.
Developing Skills for a More Sustainable Economy
The ecological transition is gradually transforming skills requirements and employment prospects. In Armenia, renewable energy, reforestation, recycling, sustainable agriculture and ecotourism offer new opportunities for economic development, particularly in rural areas.
With this in mind, Miassine Foundation, in partnership with GAN Global, is implementing an apprenticeship-based training programme designed to bring young people closer to the labour market and meet the needs of businesses.
The project aims to support 50 young people, at least 50% of whom will be women, through five- to eight-month training pathways combining theoretical instruction, practical experience in companies, mentoring and employment support.
Particular attention is given to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and residents of rural communities, with the aim of promoting equal opportunities and creating new professional prospects at the local level.
Five Training Modules in Green Professions
The programme develops five training modules tailored to business needs and the economic opportunities available in local communities.
Renewable Energy: Solar and geothermal technologies, operation and maintenance of sustainable energy solutions.
Reforestation: Tree planting, ecosystem restoration and sustainable forest resource management.
Recycling and Waste Management: Waste sorting, waste recovery and practices that promote the circular economy.
Sustainable Agriculture: Farming techniques that protect soil, water, biodiversity and natural resources.
Ecotourism: Visitor reception, promotion of natural and cultural heritage, and development of responsible tourism services.
These five modules are being developed in collaboration with partner companies to ensure that the training remains relevant and enables participants to acquire skills that can be directly applied in the workplace.
Businesses at the Heart of Apprenticeship
The programme places businesses at the centre of skills development. They contribute to identifying labour market needs, designing training content and hosting apprentices.
The participating stakeholders include Solaron, MyForest Armenia, the Armenian Environmental Network, Pherorganic and Cleanland, whose activities are linked to the green economy.
The project also builds on the network of GAN Armenia, developed through cooperation between GAN Global, Miassine Foundation, the Union of Employers of Armenia and the Confederation of Trade Unions of Armenia. Companies such as ACBA Federation, VEOLIA, Sasstex and Carrefour contribute to efforts to promote apprenticeships and corporate social responsibility.
At the same time, the programme strengthens businesses’ capacity to provide high-quality training. Fifteen trainers and apprenticeship mentors receive support to improve their supervision and guidance of young people, with assistance from Armenian and Swiss experts.
The project also aims to engage fifteen training companies in green sectors and strengthen links between the private sector, vocational education institutions and institutional stakeholders.
Lake Arpi: Supporting Economic Opportunities in Rural Areas
In the Shirak region, particularly around Lake Arpi National Park, the programme builds on the local development initiatives led by Miassine Foundation.
Rural communities have natural, agricultural and cultural resources that can support the creation of sustainable economic activities. Responsible agriculture, ecotourism, reforestation and the development of local resources offer opportunities to create jobs and strengthen village economies.
The project brings training opportunities closer to local needs and encourages young people to build their professional futures in their own regions. In doing so, it helps reduce youth outmigration and promotes the better use of local resources.
Particular attention is given to women's economic empowerment, notably through support for green entrepreneurship, the creation of small businesses and the development of women's cooperatives.
In the long term, the experience gained around Lake Arpi could serve as a model for expanding green apprenticeships to other regions of Armenia.
Towards Sustainable Employment
The programme aims to achieve an employment or self-employment rate of at least 60% among young beneficiaries upon completion of their training. To support this objective, apprentices receive personalised guidance, mentoring and assistance with job searches or launching their own businesses.
The project also contributes to the development of green entrepreneurship, the strengthening of local businesses and the adoption of environmentally responsible practices in rural communities.
By combining vocational training, private-sector engagement and social inclusion, Miassine Foundation and GAN Global are making apprenticeship a practical driver of sustainable development in Armenia.
Beyond the acquisition of technical skills, this initiative aims to empower young people to build their futures, strengthen women's economic independence and create new opportunities for rural communities.