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Time for Change: Winter School for Managers of VET Schools

Ukraine
Upskilling and Reskilling
15.02.2024
To form a positive attitude towards the role of a manager as an ”AGENT OF CHANGES” and to see  primarily possibilities in the changes. This was the task of the training during the “Winter School for Managers of Vocational Education Institutions,” organized and conducted by the EdUP project in Slavsko on February 6-8. 28 directors, deputy directors, and senior instructors participated in the training. 

Among possible changes during the war, ADAPTATION stands out as a key consideration. Changes can help educational institutions adapt to the most unexpected challenges, one of which is Russian aggression against Ukraine, and continue their work. 

Among other opportunities that changes bring in vocational education: 

PERSONAL GROWTH: changes often compel people to acquire new skills and become more resilient. 

INNOVATION: changes can spur creativity. When people or organizations face new circumstances or challenges, they seek creative solutions, develop new ideas, or products. 

CAREER ADVANCEMENT: changes in the workplace, such as restructuring or the introduction of new technologies, can create opportunities for promotion. 

ENHANCED EFFICIENCY: changes in processes or technologies can lead to increased productivity.  

"Changes are positive and necessary. Everything changes, and if you don't keep up with the times, neither you nor your educational institution will develop and succeed."
Anton Penkov, deputy director of the Zaporizhzhia Higher Vocational School "Motorobudivnyk"

The training was aimed at helping managers of vocational education schools structure knowledge and develop practical skills for effective implementation of changes, particularly in team management, and mastering the necessary tools for this. The goal of the training was to form a comprehensive working model, namely a plan of action for successful implementation of changes. 

"The training provided an opportunity to comprehensively cover the structure of changes. Transformations in our institution will start with career guidance - according to the model proposed at the training and adjust the team to accept changes with a focus on the result."
Olga Horokh, director of the Kropyvnytskyi Vocational Lyceum

A series of practical sessions were held throughout the session, including CINEMALOGY – viewing and analysis of a feature film. The task was to examine the behavior of the characters in the film using different change management models, to understand the typical mistakes of the characters to avoid their repetition in the work of vocational education institution managers, and to draw examples of best practices for implementing and managing changes in the professional activities. 

"One of my initial initiatives for my institution involves creating a comprehensive staff administration map. Through this tool, we aim to explore the motivations of our team members. Understanding these driving forces is crucial for successfully implementing reforms at our lyceum, as it enables us to tailor our strategies according to individual roles and aspirations."
Maxym Podzharyi, director of the Chernihiv Vocational Lyceum of Railway Transport
"When implementing changes, it's crucial to anticipate and address the potential reactions within the team. If there's denial or anger, it's best to allow time for these emotions to disperse. Once acceptance is reached, it's time to move forward with action. It is also important to listen to the opinions of colleagues and take them into account in the process of implementing innovations. "
Tetiana Pron, deputy director of the "Kyiv Vocational College of Civil Engineering"

Participants developed and presented a REAL CHANGE for a vocational education institution. They simulated the transition of part of the educational process to an online format. This part of the training, known as the business game “Mission Accomplished,” allowed participants to identify reasons for resistance, motivational factors, overcome resistance, and foster support for the proposed change. In 4 mini-groups, managers of vocational education institutions formed a working model – a specific action plan for successful implementation of the change. The plan of each group was discussed and analyzed from the perspective of different models. 
 

"During the training, I tried to analyze my actions, how I react to changes. I noted what needs to be corrected to succeed in work. I also concluded that sometimes, before implementing something new, it is necessary to first remove existing obstacles that hinder progress."
Svitlana Aleksandrova, Deputy Director of the "Odesa Center of Vocational Education"

Directors of VET schools focused on the LEADER'S ROLE in change implementation and management. Namely how to find a balance between efficiency and care for subordinates, help employees adapt to changes, show empathy, reduce anxiety levels in the team, and be a role model. 

"Changes are useful, even when it seems that everything is fine, and your team is successful. If you don't move forward, you won't understand that you are falling behind. Changes are constantly needed to make timely decisions. So as not to play catch-up but to be in trend, on an emotional uplift. Because when you are catching up, you run out of breath, there is not enough time, and there is something new ahead."
Natalia Yuklyaievska, director of Kharkiv "Regional Center for Professional Education of Innovative Technologies in Construction and Industry"
2020 - 2027
Ukraine
Initial vocational education and training
Public Private Partnership to Improved Professional Education in Ukraine
The EdUP project, including its Scale UP initiative, is playing a crucial role in addressing the serious challenges faced by Ukraine's vocational education and training (VET) sector during wartime. The war has destroyed many VET schools and exacerbated a skills shortage that affects several sectors, despite employers' willingness to offer competitive wages and resources. EdUP aims to rebuild and improve vocational schools and break stereotypes about vocational graduates. By decentralising training and aligning it with local economic needs, the project will improve the quality of vocational training, attract additional resources, work with the private sector, and modernise education to equip Ukraine's workforce for today's demands.  
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