How can vocational education be made relevant to labor market needs? How can real partnerships be built between communities, businesses, and vocational education institutions (VEIs)? How does the new Law “On Vocational Education” strengthen schools’ autonomy—and why does that matter right now?

These questions are addressed by the “Autonomy of Vocational Education Institutions” project, which EasyBusiness is implementing together with partners. This national program provides practical tools to strengthen VEIs’ managerial, financial, pedagogical, and partnership independence.

For the first time in Ukraine, VEI autonomy is being explored in a comprehensive way:
analysis + training + mentoring + pitching real solutions.

What makes the project unique?

The “Autonomy of Vocational Education Institutions” project:

• is based on the new Law “On Vocational Education” and modern regulatory standards;
• includes 40 vocational institutions from across the country;
• covers four types of autonomy: financial, managerial, pedagogical, and partnership;
• includes 15 training sessions, an analytical report, mentoring support, and a final pitch of ideas.

Why is this important right now?

• 66% of employers report a shortage of staff and expect it to grow;
• demand for blue-collar professions is rising rapidly—and VEIs can meet it;
• it’s crucial to restore the popularity of vocational education and make it more modern and higher-quality. This can be achieved through reforms in management and financing, strengthening the teaching component, and building partnerships.

EasyBusiness surveyed 40 vocational institutions and found that financial autonomy is the weakest area, followed by partnership and managerial autonomy.

The goal of the program is to help VEIs quickly adapt to new rules, use the opportunities created by the new Law “On Vocational Education,” and become real drivers of economic growth in their regions.

Training series for 40 VEIs

In October, a series of trainings began for 40 vocational institutions from across Ukraine, focusing on:

• managerial, financial, and pedagogical autonomy;
• building partnerships with business;
• developing institutions’ own business models;
• communications, strategic planning, and project management.

What will stakeholders gain?

• Vocational institutions: tools for greater autonomy, better management, and stronger partnerships.
• Students: training for in-demand professions through meaningful, engaging programs; opportunities to work while studying; better chances of earning a decent salary.
• Businesses: specialists trained to meet specific needs and improved cooperation with VEIs.
• The economy: higher productivity, employment, and service quality through a stronger workforce pipeline.

Nearly half a year of learning, mentoring, real change, new opportunities, and success stories lies ahead—and more updates will follow. The first trainings have already taken place, bringing together over 100 participants from across the country. Thank you for your engagement, and we look forward to seeing you at the next sessions!

The “Autonomy of Vocational Education Institutions” project is implemented by EasyBusiness with financial support from the European Union, Germany, Poland, Estonia, and Denmark under the multi-donor initiative Skills4Recovery, implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ Ukraine) GmbH and Solidarity Fund PL in Ukraine (SFPL).