Hudson Valley is First Community College to Join United Nations Technical and Vocational Education Network

April 11, 2024

Hudson Valley Community College has become the first community college in the United States to join the UNEVOC Network, the United Nations’ Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO) global network for advancing technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

A two-day event celebrating the college’s inclusion in the international network kicked off with an official inauguration ceremony on Hudson Valley’s Troy campus on the morning of Thursday, April 11, with remarks from college officials, UNESCO-UNEVOC representatives, community and educational partners, and other stakeholders, as well as an official ribbon cutting and plaque unveiling.

The event also includes two days of workshops, information sessions, and networking opportunities on Thursday, April 11 and Friday, April 12. Workshop topics include robotics, electric and autonomous vehicles, virtual welding, and inclusivity in the trades through Hudson Valley’s Uniquely Abled Academy, a new program designed to prepare students on the autism spectrum for careers in advanced manufacturing. A full schedule and details of the event can be found on the HVCC Inauguration into UNESCO-UNEVOC Centre and Conference on Inclusive Skilled Trades event page.

“Hudson Valley Community College is proud and honored to be the first community college in the United States to be inducted into the UNEVOC Network,” said Hudson Valley Community College President Dr. Roger Ramsammy. “We are committed to innovation and addressing the training and educational needs of both local and international communities as we work to address an increasingly global future, and we are thrilled to be able to share our programming and progress with the world as an official UNEVOC Centre, and to have the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with the more than 230 fellow members of the UNEVOC Network worldwide. This is truly a groundbreaking opportunity for Hudson Valley Community College as we continue to strive to be a leader in technical and vocational education and training, here in the Capital Region and around the world.”

“UNESCO believes in the transformative power of education, including Technical and Vocational Education and Training, for individual, economic and social development. Hudson Valley Community College exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and innovation that underpins our shared mission. Its inclusion in the UNEVOC Network represents a significant milestone for all those committed to advancing TVET worldwide,” said Friedrich Huebler, UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre for TVET.

The UNEVOC Network is UNESCO’s global network for institutions specialized in TVET. It provides an environment for exchange, cooperation and mutual assistance for its members — UNEVOC Centres. There are four types of UNEVOC Centres: ministries, national bodies, training providers and research institutions. Through international collaboration and peer learning, UNEVOC Centres continue to enhance the quality of TVET teaching and learning opportunities offered in their respective countries.

Hudson Valley’s inauguration comes at the same time as UNESCO-UNEVOC is introducing a new resource model to enhance the services provided to UNEVOC Centres – the Reference Center. Hudson Valley will be setting the standard for UNESCO-UNEVOC Reference Centers, which will provide support and guidance to the network regarding thematic areas in which they have expertise. The college’s selected areas are Inclusive Training and Education in the Skilled Trades and English Language Training.

As a Reference Center, Hudson Valley will have access to and assist in the development of resources related to TVET; have the opportunity to expand global partnerships and network with other TVET providers around the world; participate in projects and activities sponsored by in UNESCO- UNEVOC; and ultimately become a larger presence on the global stage.