Assessment of the Impact of Changes in Ukraine’s Vocational Education System on Graduate Employment and Professional Development

Abstract

In the context of an unstable labour market and socio-economic challenges, this study assesses the effectiveness of changes implemented in the vocational education system of Ukraine and their impact on graduates' employment and career progression. It examines the impact of educational reforms, such as updated curricula and new teaching methods, on the employment and professional development indicators of graduates of vocational education institutions. The study uses a descriptive methodology to examine the effectiveness of improvements in different specialities, geographical regions, and types of educational institutions, as well as the relationship between these reforms and the ability of graduates to adapt to changing labour market situations. The study isbased on 88 sources, including scientific works and regulatory documents for 2020-2025, which were found using Web of Science and Google Scholar. Among the methods are trend analysis, expert assessment, document analysis, and content analysis. The resultsshow that dual education models, curriculum modernisation and creative learning formats, combined with cooperation with employers, expanded infrastructure, digital skills training and best European practices, increase graduates' employability, competitiveness and adaptability. However, different specialities, geographical regions and types of institutions have different opinions on the effectiveness of these reforms. Insufficient teacher training, a mismatch between employer requirements and training, the low status of vocational education and a lack of private sector investment in youth education are among the obstacles to progress, which are also mentioned in the article. The study highlights how significant these changes are for improving Ukraine's vocational education system and learning outcomes. Its findings guide future research on education and employment, highlighting the need for ongoing teacher training, improved monitoring of the correspondence between training and employers and initiatives to improve the status of vocational education among Ukrainians.