The study aimed to assess labour market needs, existing non-formal education services, and the extent to which youth skills and available opportunities align with labour market demand across four regions of Georgia: Kakheti, Shida Kartli, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti, and Mtskheta-Mtianeti. The assessment focused on identifying current and emerging labour market trends, particularly in sectors requiring highly skilled and qualified workforce, as well as analysing skills gaps, entrepreneurial support mechanisms, and barriers affecting youth employment and economic opportunities. To achieve these objectives, the study engaged four target groups: local youth, private sector employers, non-formal education providers, and key stakeholders, including representatives of local municipalities, chambers of commerce, employers’ associations, employment centres, project staff, and sector experts.
A mixed-methods approach was applied, combining desk review and secondary data analysis with qualitative and quantitative primary data collection. The assessment included key informant interviews with private sector employers, and other key stakeholders. The study also incorporated extensive analysis of regional labour market trends and business sector performance using national statistical and administrative data sources. The quantitative component consisted of a representative face-to-face survey with 400 young people aged 14–29 across the four target regions. The survey targeted vulnerable youth sub-groups, including youth with disabilities, internally displaced persons (IDPs), NEET youth, and employed youth, using a multistage cluster sampling design. Data collection was conducted using structured questionnaires and included screening procedures and weighting techniques to ensure representativeness of findings across target populations.