The EdUP project team took part in Serpneva-2025. The conference served as a platform for dialogue on transforming education, adapting it to today’s challenges, and creating conditions for young people to realize their potential in a rapidly changing world.
Education was presented as a holistic system built on three key components: CONTENT, TEACHER, and SPACE. Combined, these elements ensure a high-quality learning environment, including in vocational schools. Special attention was given to the transformation of educational infrastructure and modern approaches to career guidance, with a focus on critical professions—construction, energy, transport, and agriculture—that are essential for the country’s recovery.
A vital element of this system is cooperation with business, which enables vocational education institutions to train qualified professionals for these sectors. In this context, Yuliia Epifanova, Manager of the project “Public-Private Partnership for Improving Vocational Education in Ukraine” (EdUP), presented a successful case of collaboration between VET schools and business—the Junior platform, developed together with the League of Masters and supported by EdUP. The platform helps graduates adapt quickly and gain practical experience alongside professional craftsmen and site managers.
“For such a platform to be truly effective and meet the needs of both education and business, there must also be synergy from the state. This pilot addresses the sector with the most critical demand for skilled workers—construction. Since the pilot has already proven successful, it could serve as a model for scaling up.”
The conference also featured directors of EdUP’s partner institutions. Nazar Zakal, Director of the Interregional Higher Vocational School of Motor Transport and Construction, shared his views on updating the content of vocational education. Meanwhile, Maksym Podzharyi, Director of the Chernihiv Vocational Railway Transport Lyceum, spoke about the modernization of training workshops and new approaches to career guidance.
EdUP’s participation in Serpneva-2025 reaffirmed that the transformation of education is only possible through the combined efforts of the state, business, and vocational institutions. Only by aligning content, teachers, and learning spaces can we create an environment where young people are able to realize their potential—and where the country can gain the skilled professionals essential for its recovery.
