A National Study Evaluates Vocational and Practical Training of Construction Students for the First Time

The EdUP project presented the results of the first National Study on vocational and practical training of students in construction professions. The presentation took place during Business Day as part of an extended meeting of the Board of Directors of the Confederation of Builders of Ukraine.

This study was initiated by the Swiss foundation Swisscontact with the support of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, the NGO "Ukrainian Marketing Association," and the NGO "League of Masters." The main goal was to assess the current state of vocational and practical training in the construction sector and the prospects for cooperation between educational institutions and employers.

The study covered 28 vocational education institutions from 21 regions of Ukraine and Kyiv and included a national survey of 2,392 students, 1,127 teachers, and 484 construction enterprises.

Key findings of the study:

• Learning during the war. Due to the war, most of the training is conducted remotely, making it difficult to organize practical experience. Students are forced to independently search for places to complete internships.
• Forms of practice. 60% of students work in primary roles, while 40% work under the supervision of mentors. At the same time, 20% are working outside their field of study, which negatively impacts the quality of training.
• Satisfaction with internships. 85% of students are satisfied with their internships, especially due to the support of mentors who help them adapt to working conditions.
• Challenges for enterprises. Companies face difficulties in providing additional training, protective clothing, and tools for students. Many companies are also reluctant to accept minors for internships due to the harsh working conditions.
• Soft skills. Communication skills, creativity, and the ability to learn are key factors for the successful integration of students into the workforce.
• Technical resources. Participants of the EdUP project have improved technical resources: 60% of instructors noted the availability of modern equipment, while 40% noted inclusive education labs.

The study confirmed the need for close cooperation between educational institutions and employers to improve the quality of specialist training, as well as the modernization of the technical resources of institutions.

To promote the development of vocational education in the field of transparent constructions, the "Ukrainian Manufacturers of Transparent Constructions" Association signed a memorandum with the executor of the project "Public-Private Partnership for the Improvement of Vocational Education in Ukraine" (EdUP).