The draft Code of the Republic of Belarus on Education was discussed by the heads of secondary vocational education institutions of the Vitebsk region at a council meeting

– The tasks facing us are of utmost importance, – noted Alexander Losyakin, Chairman of the Council of Heads of Secondary Vocational Education Institutions of the Vitebsk Region, Director of the Vitebsk Technological College. – The changes and amendments being made to the code concern every head of an educational institution. Those gathered here have extensive work experience, their own vision of the system, approaches, and views. We have something to offer, to discuss, and to argue about. I fully support the proposal to shorten the training periods at the vocational and secondary vocational education levels. However, the quality of student training must not suffer under any circumstances. It is necessary to raise the prestige of working professions to a new level.

Another significant aspect was considered – the qualification characteristics and content of vocational training programs for students. After all, graduates must not only master the basics of their profession but also know how to solve production tasks.

– We are one of the few countries in the post-Soviet space that has preserved a high-quality and effectively functioning system of secondary vocational education, – emphasized Igor Marzalyuk. – Proposals for laws should be made by practitioners, those who have done a lot for the development of educational institutions. We will definitely use the ideas voiced at the meeting. A round table will be held in the parliament on March 9, where deputies will discuss all pressing issues.

We need to determine what specialists and in what quantity the state needs and what needs to be done for this. I am deeply convinced that there should be a state order for specialists, a rational balanced

system. If we transition to a multi-stage system of both secondary and higher education, then clear criteria must be defined. A low average score opens the door to a specialized system. If you successfully realize yourself there, then proceed to higher education. This is how it currently happens in Germany, Sweden, and Finland, where only 30% of school graduates enter universities.

The issue of graduate employment was also discussed at the council meeting, and the Orsha College shared its experience. The attendees were impressed by both the organization of industrial training at the institution and the approach to employment and professional training of future railway workers.

Olga LEBEDEVA, photos by the author. "Vitebskiye Vesti".