CoLLLab
Laboratory Health and Safety Lifelong Learning (LLL) Courses for Youth in West and East Georgia
The Laboratory Health and Safety LLL Courses for Youth in West and East Georgia project (2020–2023) was implemented with the direct support of the European Union under the Jobs4Skills Programme (ENI/2020/417-316).
The initiative was led by a national consortium consisting of the Georgian Biotechnology Association (GeBA), L. Sakvarelidze National Center for Disease Control and Public Health (NCDC),
State Laboratory of Agriculture (SLA), and Tbilisi State University (TSU), in close cooperation with EU partners — University of Teramo and University of Milan.
The project strengthened Georgia’s laboratory sector by improving the skills, knowledge, and employability of young professionals working in or aspiring to join laboratory services across the country.
Key Achievements
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New learning opportunities: Professional, accredited courses on Laboratory Health and Safety were developed and delivered in four Georgian universities in East and West Georgia, enabling
300 young specialists to gain practical, up-to-date skills demanded by laboratories, agro-food industries, healthcare institutions, and academic organizations.
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Empowered trainers and institutions: Through a Training of Trainers (ToT) programme, universities, colleges, schools, and laboratory professionals strengthened their capacity to deliver
non-formal education in laboratory safety, ensuring long-term sustainability of the training model.
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University–industry collaboration: Internship programs were launched at four Georgian universities in cooperation with businesses providing testing and diagnostic services.
These opportunities offered students hands-on experience and improved transitions from education to employment.
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Digital learning and networking tools: An online knowledge platform was launched to support local and international exchange, resource sharing, and collaboration in laboratory safety.
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Career support and employability: An online employment and career guidance hub connected trained youth with employers, helping graduates enter the workforce.
Impact
The initiative contributed to a safer and stronger laboratory environment in Georgia, expanded lifelong learning opportunities for youth, and strengthened cooperation between education, research, and the labor market.
As a result, many young professionals gained recognized qualifications and improved access to employment.
Gallery
🎥 Watch CoLLLab Project Video
