What does a skill, labour market and vocational education system of the future look like? How does it keep pace with the fast-changing world of work? Can it promote economic development and social cohesion? Ukraine is addressing these questions as it sets out its vision for a modern, agile system.
Ukraine’s Minister of Education Liliya Hrynevych and the EU Delegation’s Head of Operations Berend de Groot will join ETF experts, parliamentarians and stakeholders from the worlds of work and education for a workshop, organised together with the ETF, on 22 February in Kyiv.
Discussions will focus on three key topics: lifelong learning, innovation and decentralisation. EU best practice from Finland and Ireland will be shared. Outcomes and actions will be used to develop a shared vision for the future of vocational education and training (VET) in Ukraine.
The ETF has been working closely with Ukraine as drives its education and skills agenda forward, bringing the system closer to European standards. Plans are underway to devolve responsibility for VET to the 25 regions – a major challenge for a country of 45 million people.
The ETF has supported Ukraine’s Ministry of Education and Science along the way, analysing the practical measures needed to make this a success. The joint project led to a Green Paper, the blueprint for reform. Aligned to this work, the ETF has assisted the EU Delegation in Ukraine to carry out a feasibility study for a major EU-funded intervention in the sector. It will take the lead in advising on the design of the intervention itself in 2018.
ETF Director Cesare Onestini says prioritising skills and education supports economic growth.
“The EU sees economic development as its key objective in Ukraine. Improving skills and education helps to build prosperity, support stability and social cohesion.”
Also in Ukraine this week
Since the adoption of the national qualifications framework in 2011, Ukraine has been working to modernise the system of occupational and educational standards, in line with labour market needs. On 20-21 February, the ETF has organised a meeting with senior policymakers, business representatives and social partners to continue work on improving methodologies for the development of these standards – which are used to assess skills requirements.
Original source: ETF
Published on 19 February 2018
