VOCATIONAL EDUCATION IN THE COUNTRIES OF WESTERN EUROPE

Abstract

The article analyzes professional education in the countries of Western Europe. It was determined that the structure of higher professional education in the countries of Western Europe is very heterogeneous. Described: the process of involving social partners in professional education; creation of new types of professional education institutions; introduction of new qualifications, professional and educational standards, professional education programs, development of the legal basis for dual professional training of secondary and higher professional education recipients and, as a separate category, the adult population. It is substantiated that the areas of improvement of professional training of qualified specialists in the countries of Western Europe should be singled out: further unification and strengthening of the level of convergence of professional education and training systems; increasing demand for skilled labor with a high level of technological and digital competence; growing demand and social order for continuous professional education.

The purpose of the article is to analyze the components and directions of professional education in the countries of Western Europe. 

Conclusions. 1. The theoretical basis for the development of professional education and training in the countries of Western Europe is formed thanks to joint transnational research and practice-oriented projects in the field of formation of the European space in the field of professional education. 2. The experience of the functioning of vocational education and training systems in the countries of Western Europe is valuable for reforming the domestic vocational education system in terms of: management of vocational education with the involvement of social partners; creation of new types of professional education institutions; introduction of new qualifications, professional and educational standards, professional education programs, development of the legal basis for dual professional training of secondary and higher professional education recipients and, as a separate category, the adult population. 3. The structure of higher professional education in the countries of Western Europe is very heterogeneous. It offers a wide range of courses. 4. A period of adult on-the-job training is mandatory in most vocational school programs. Adults can obtain the same qualifications in formal education and training as young people: adult training programs built on previous experience (general education, vocational training) help them improve or gain additional qualifications.