CURRENT PROBLEMS OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION IN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

Abstract

The article proves the existence of modern European models of professional education: vocational schools; professional training centers; traditional apprenticeship; a dual system that combines training at an educational institution with training at a factory/company; professional training on an informal basis. The need of European countries to adjust and increase the areas of specializations in which professional training is carried out, taking into account the requirements of the economy and production, is substantiated. It has been proven that the leading trends of changes in professional education are the transition from narrowprofile to more fundamental training. The need to divide professional education in lyceums into three groups is substantiated: general education lyceums; technological lyceums; professional lyceums. The problem of modernization of professional higher educational institutions in European countries in the conditions of acute challenges is highlighted. After all, the strategy of development of education throughout life involves the exit of professional education beyond the boundaries of an educational institution.

The purpose of the article is to highlight the current aspects of professional education in European countries.

Conclusions. The conducted analysis enables the following conclusions: 1. In modern conditions, the strategic goal of each member state of the European Union is to develop innovative higher professional education. 2. The goal of creating the future European innovative higher professional education is the acquisition of professional competences by the students and the creation of a professional environment that corresponds to the abilities, needs and capabilities of the individual. 3. It is necessary to foresee the continuity of professional programs of different levels and specialties. 4. For the professional education of the countries of the European Union, it is necessary to improve the compatibility of the national systems of professional education by justifying and introducing the European Qualifications Framework. 5. National European vocational education systems need to create favorable conditions for training and adaptation of vocational education seekers to the requirements of the rapidly changing labor market.