Zurab Pataradze, Chairman of the Government of Ajara, meets with Young Professionals Selected for the Paid Internship Program

Zurab Pataradze, Chairman of the Government of Ajara, held a meeting with the interns selected for positions within the executive bodies of Ajara under the state-funded paid internship program, an initiative launched by the Prime Minister of Georgia.

The Chairman congratulated the young professionals on successfully passing the rigorous selection process. He emphasized that the program provides a valuable opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the operations of public agencies, collaborate with experienced specialists, and actively contribute to the implementation of projects vital to the region's development.

During the meeting, it was underscored that the internship serves a dual purpose: it allows participants to acquire essential professional knowledge and practical skills, while acting as a crucial mechanism for attracting qualified young talent into the civil service. This initiative paves the way for the future professional growth and viable employment of successful interns.

"We met with the young professionals who have commenced their paid internships within the state agencies of the Autonomous Republic of Ajara," stated Zurab Pataradze. "Their engagement, their innovative initiatives, and our support for their career growth are of paramount importance to us. We discussed the region's development priorities, ongoing strategic projects, and the avenues through which young people can gain practical experience within public institutions. I am confident that the knowledge and expertise acquired here will significantly bolster their future professional careers."

The meeting was also attended by the heads of all five ministries of the Autonomous Republic of Ajara. The ministers briefed the interns on the specific operations, strategic mandates, and priorities of their respective agencies, subsequently hosting a Q&A session with the participants.

Per the decision of the Prime Minister of Georgia, the competitive selection process for the paid internship program is announced annually. This year, a total of 532 applications were submitted for internships within Ajara’s public institutions. Following the selection process, 40 interns were appointed to executive government bodies, and 25 were placed within various municipalities. Out of the 40 interns selected for the executive branch, four will complete their tenure at the Government Administration, while the remaining 36 have been deployed across ministries and their subordinate agencies.

Notably, the program has demonstrated highly tangible results: 19 participants from the 2025 cohort successfully secured long-term employment within the region, with 12 individuals integrated into the Ajara government system and seven employed by local municipalities.