VOCATIONAL SECONDARY EDUCATION: BETWEEN HOPE AND REALITY

Abstract

Specialized secondary education is a continuation of the New Ukrainian School reform. The article analyses the possibilities of the New Specialized Secondary Education for Vocational Purposes and explores the expectations of students and employers from its implementation. It is stated that, according to the Law ‘On Education’ (2017), the acquisition of specialized secondary education is guaranteed in academic or professional fields. Specialized secondary education in a professional field will be provided on the basis of existing vocational educational institutions and institutions of professional higher education. A review of statistics shows that in Ukraine, approximately 35% of 9th grade graduates choose vocational education, while in Switzerland, Germany and Austria, this share is up to 70%.

The article describes a number of benefits for both students, educational institutions and the labor market from the introduction of vocational secondary education. For example, for students, it allows them to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for successful employment in their chosen professions; to form a strong motivation to study, clearly define career goals; promotes the development of professional competencies, practical skills in the implementation of real projects and cooperation with enterprises; early employment opportunities, simplified access to internships and first jobs. And for educational institutions, it means improving the quality of the educational process, updating educational programs in line with labor market requirements, introducing innovative teaching methods and digital technologies; optimizing the educational process with flexible programs that can be adapted to the needs of society; encouraging teachers to develop professionally and cooperate with businesses; improving the material and technical base, attracting investments and grants for the development of specialized training, updating equipment and trainin resources; meeting the needs of the regional market.

The results of an online survey on the expectations and satisfaction with the state of learning, teaching, and the level of proximity to the professional needs of students and employers are presented.

The article summarizes the recommendations that should be taken into account for vocational secondary education and that are important for preparing young people for real professional life, with a focus on the needs of employers. Such an approach will make it possible to assess the relevance of educational programs to modern labor market requirements, adjust curricula to meet the real needs of the industry, and increase the competitiveness of graduates by adapting the learning process to the requirements of the professional environment.