Have a look at the new OECD article about the support provided to refugees by VET systems in receiving countries.

OECD’s publication How vocational education and training systems can support Ukraine begins with an analysis of the VET system in Ukraine, which has one-third of the students at the secondary level. Before the war, Ukraine had begun a process of reforms to strengthen vocational education, including the introduction of a dual system (education both at an employer’s and at school). The publication also presents basic data about the education system in Ukraine.

Successive chapters of the publication present the actions taken by refugee receiving countries in order to facilitate access to secondary or higher vocational education, such as waivers of entry criteria and of certain formal requirements on language knowledge and special qualifications for teachers.

The last part of the publication contains recommendations on how to support refugees in vocational education systems. The research and analyses found four basic groups of barriers that refugees face:  access to information, preparation for participation in VET, inclusion into the system, and completing education in the system. The authors’ detailed recommendations include proactive career guidance, preparatory programmes for VET entry, flexible vocational learning programmes with mentoring and targeted training assistance, the recognition/validation of prior learning, as well as employer support and engagement. Support should also be targeted to Ukrainian vocational teachers. Likewise, teachers in receiving countries should be provided support enabling them to work effectively in heterogeneous, multicultural environments. The study additionally emphasises the importance of digital technologies, which facilitate access to services in receiving countries, and the continuation of education on-line in the Ukrainian system, helpful in maintaining national identity.

The article is available at the OECD website.