Meros Pharm celebrated the opening of MEROS Academy in Uzbekistan this month with a symbolic button-pressing ceremony, marking the start of a new chapter in workforce development. The event brought together company founders, employees and partners including representatives from People 1st International and EBRD to celebrate the company’s commitment to enhancing skills development.

In attendance was our expert trainer and curriculum writer, Mark Smith who has led the development of new training programmes for the Academy. This includes induction and technical training for warehouse operators, coach and buddy training and communication training to enhance interpersonal skills. Ahead of the launch, 15 department trainers at Meros successfully completed our Certificate in Delivering Training programme, equipping them with the skills needed to deliver effective training and attended train the trainer sessions to prepare for delivering the new programmes.

The Academy was developed through a partnership between Meros Pharm, People 1st International and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), with the goal of closing skills gaps and aligning training with market needs. It will provide both foundational and continuous professional development, ensuring Meros Pharm remains competitive and sustainable in Uzbekistan’s evolving pharmaceutical sector.

Through the project, we have provided crucial support for operationalising the Academy by offering advice and guidance for setting it up and developing partnerships with external providers to enhance skills and competencies across the workforce. Jane Rexworthy, Managing Director, People 1st International comments:

“Congratulations to Meros Pharm on the launch of the MEROS Academy. It’s been a privilege to partner with the team and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to bring this vision to life. Together we’ve worked to identify the skills needs, develop tailored programmes for the Academy and build the capability of the trainers who will be delivering them. The Academy has significant potential to facilitate access to jobs and skills, supporting employability and career progression through high-quality vocational training. By investing in the next generation of talent the Academy will play a key role in shaping a more resilient and skilled workforce.”

The Academy is a strategic investment in the future of Meros Pharm, designed to strengthen the company’s workforce and help it adapt to evolving industry challenges. The operational framework developed for the Academy covers governance, staffing, financial models and marketing plans, ensuring that MEROS Academy remains a sustainable asset for the company.