The Cabinet of Ministers has introduced a unified approach to the network of institutions of professional and specialized pre-higher education
Cabinet The Council of Ministers approved methodological recommendations for the creation and formation of a network of vocational and professional pre-higher education institutions so that the training of specialists meets the real needs of the economy and the labor market in the regions. The Ministry of Education and Science calls the new approach “a transition from the formal preservation of institutions to the formation of a capable network based on clear criteria.” According to the new requirements, institutions must:
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meet the economic needs of the region;
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avoid duplication of specialties;
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fulfill regional orders for students;
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provide dormitories for at least half of the students;
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be accessible physically, by transport and online;
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combine theoretical and practical training;
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use resources effectively;
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attract investments.
The network of institutions will be assessed taking into account the employment of graduates, material and technical base, human resources and international cooperation.
To implement changes, each region develops a regional plan for the formation of the network, which is updated at least once every five years. The plan is prepared by a special working group under the regional council, which includes heads of institutions, employers and local authorities. The group analyzes existing institutions, their capacity, demographic indicators and the projected demand for specialists for the next 2–5 years.
Regional plans are approved by regional councils and agreed with the Ministry of Education and Science and the founders of institutions, who make decisions on the creation, reorganization or liquidation of institutions.
The Ministry of Education emphasizes that there are currently more vocational education institutions in Ukraine than are needed, and optimizing the network will increase its efficiency and attract more applicants.
