Amid the rapid digitalisation of the economy and labour market, vocational education and training (VET) institutions face a serious challenge: how to remain relevant, prepare specialists for the real needs of employers, and at the same time modernise their own management processes. Hundreds of VET leaders across Ukraine are searching for answers to this question.
To support them, the IT Ukraine Association, together with Junior Achievement Ukraine (VET Bridge initiative) and with the support of the Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine Programme, is launching IT for ProfTech: Bootcamp — the first specialised training course in Ukraine for managers of vocational education institutions, fully built on practices and approaches from the IT industry.
Why VET institutions — and why now
Vocational education institutions have unique potential: they can respond quickly to labour market demands, provide practical skills, and train specialists in the professions most needed by the economy. However, this potential often remains unrealised due to systemic limitations — a lack of modern management tools, weak integration with business, limited digital infrastructure, and outdated approaches to organising the learning process.
The programme has been designed specifically for managers of vocational education institutions and is based on best practices from the IT industry. Its goal is to help institutional leaders implement modern approaches to management, digital transformation, and cooperation with business.
Three modules — three levels of transformation
The course programme was developed based on a survey of VET leaders, reflecting their needs, challenges, and priorities. This means that each module, topic, and practical case directly addresses the issues that vocational education managers face in their daily work.
The programme covers three interconnected areas, each lasting two weeks:
- Module 1. Digital Transformation of Management in VET
Strategic management and OKR planning, digital transformation of VET institutions, and building sustainable partnerships with business. - Module 2. Resource and Team Management
Project management, integration of artificial intelligence into institutional operations, marketing of educational services, and building a strong digital presence. - Module 3. Leadership, Change, and Team Development
Motivation and leadership, effective communication and facilitation, and managing change through learning.
The final assignment of the course is the development of an individual Digital Transformation Plan for each participant’s institution — a practical document outlining ideas and steps for transformation. Participants will present their plans during an offline event in Kyiv.
The course will start on 9 April 2026 and conclude with the final offline event in Kyiv in June 2026.
Who can apply
Applications are open to directors and deputy directors of vocational education institutions, heads of methodological associations, senior masters, and teachers responsible for the development of educational programmes in institutions located in the target communities of the VET Bridge project.
Participants will be selected from vocational education institutions located in the following target communities:
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Chernihiv region: Chernihiv City (Chernihiv), Novhorod-Siverskyi, Snovsk, Horodnia, Semenivka communities
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Sumy region: Sumy City (Sumy), Buryn, Sad, Lebedyn, Trostianets, Nedryhailiv, Okhtyrka, Svesa, Velyka Pysarivka, Seredyna-Buda, Druzhba (Khutir-Mykhailivskyi community), Yampil, Berezivka, Putyvl, Hlukhiv, Novoslobidska, Mykolaivka, Vorozhba, Nyzhnia Syrovatka, Esman, Shalyhyne communities
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Kharkiv region: Kharkiv City (Kharkiv), Pechenihy, Chuhuiv, Merefa, Balakliia, Krasnokutsk, Slobozhanske, Bohodukhiv, Velykyi Burluk, Shevchenkove, Solonytsivka communities
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Donetsk region: Novodonetske, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk, Bilozerske, Cherkaska communities
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Dnipropetrovsk region: Dnipro City (Dnipro), Pavlohrad, Slovianska (Dnipropetrovsk region), Kryvyi Rih City (Kryvyi Rih), Kamianske, Synelnykove communities
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Zaporizhzhia region: Zaporizhzhia City (Zaporizhzhia), Dolynska, Pavlivka communities
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Kherson region: Kherson City (Kherson), Vysokopillia, Velyka Oleksandrivka communities
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Mykolaiv region: Mykolaiv City (Mykolaiv), Snihurivka, Halytsynove, Bashtanka communities
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Odesa region: Odesa City (Odesa), Yuzhne / Pivdenne, Chornomorsk, Velykodolynske, Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi communities
How to apply
Participants will be selected through a competitive process.
To apply, candidates must submit:
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a motivation letter, and
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a short idea for transforming the educational process in their institution.
Registration is already open, and the number of places is limited. Applications can be submitted via the registration link.
The project is implemented by the IT Ukraine Association in cooperation with Junior Achievement Ukraine (VET Bridge initiative) with the support of the Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine, funded by the governments of the United Kingdom, Estonia, Canada, Norway, Finland, Switzerland, and Sweden.
