Vocational Training Programs Research Articles

Drivers and barriers of implementing a dual VET programme in Nepal

PurposeThe authors analyse drivers and barriers of implementing and scaling-up a pilot project of a dual vocational and education programme in Nepal.Design/methodology/approachThe 5C protocol distinguishes five categories of drivers and barriers of education reforms: commitment, capacity, clients, content and context. The authors build on the 5C protocol to develop a qualitative empirical framework based on semi-structured interviews amongst stakeholders.FindingsThe results show that involved actors are committed. Capacity in terms of available resources also represents an implementation driver, but companies lack information about the programme. Consequently, industry associations should receive a more prominent role in the motivation of companies to provide training places. The content category is the most challenging implementation barrier because the programme represents a substantial change, compared to the current vocational education and training (VET) programmes in Nepal.Originality/valueFirst, the authors propose a framework for a qualitative content analysis to analyse the drivers and barriers of implementing and scaling-up education reforms. Second, the authors provide novel information about drivers and barriers of an education reform in Nepal.

Stability of the legal regulation of concluding an employment contract between a private no-tary and a private notary's assistant

The legal basis of the activity of the notary is the Constitution of Ukraine, which guarantees every citizen the right to work, which includes the opportunity to earn a living by work that he freely chooses or freely agrees to. The state creates conditions for the full exercise of the right to work by citizens, guarantees equal opportunities in choosing a profession and type of work, implements programs of vocational training, training and retraining of personnel in accordance with public needs. In turn, the labor legislation regulates the labor relations of employees of all enterprises, institutions, organizations, regardless of the form of ownership, type of activity and industry affiliation, as well as persons who work under an employment contract with natural persons, including private notaries.
 According to Art. 1 of the Law of Ukraine «On Notaries», a notary in Ukraine is a system of bodies and officials entrusted with the duty to certify rights, as well as facts of legal significance, and to perform other notarial actions provided for by this Law, with the aim of providing them of legal certainty.
 The performance of notarial acts in Ukraine is entrusted to notaries - these are natural persons authorized by the state who work in state notary offices, state notarial archives (state notaries) or engage in independent professional notarial activity, namely private notarial activity (private notaries).
 A private notary is a natural person authorized by the state, who carries out independent professional notarial activity, in particular, certifies rights, as well as facts of legal significance, and performs other notarial actions provided for by law, with the aim of giving them legal credibility. That is, a private notary is a person who is a citizen of Ukraine and has received a certificate of the right to engage in notarial activity, works in a private notary office and engages in private notarial practice. 
 In today's realities, it is quite difficult for a notary public to have time to do everything himself. Not only that the legislation of Ukraine has the property of changing quite quickly, but also the mass of powers with which the legislator generously grants the notary does not allow relaxation. So it turns out that it becomes practically impossible to carry out one's activities without an assistant. The selection of candidates and the hiring of a private notary's assistant is the exclusive right of the notary. An employment contract is concluded with the notary's assistant.

Analysis of the professional training of police officers, first recruited, in the North-West region

The subject of the study is the analysis of the state of professional training of police officers, first employed, in a specific educational organization of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia in the North-Western region. The purpose of the work is to evaluate the results of the survey of police officers upon arrival and surveys upon completion of training (training), entrance control, as well as to conduct a statistical analysis of the results of qualification examinations (final attestations) upon completion of training (training). The conducted research has shown that it is necessary to make significant changes to the vocational training (training) programs, content, forms, means, methods and technologies of training (training) in order to prepare a police officer for the effective performance of professional tasks. The duration of the existing training (training) of police officers, who were first recruited, is on average from 3-4 to 5-6 months. Such a short period of time objectively affects the state of vocational training (professional training) of police officers in a specific educational organization of the North-Western region. The actual state and reliability of the results of qualification examinations (final attestations) police officers upon completion of the existing professional training in the educational organization of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia was confirmed in the study by the use of methods of mathematical processing of results (methods of primary statistics): arithmetic mean, sample averages, error of representativeness of the sample average and coefficient of variation.

Influenza presentations and use of neuraminidase inhibitors by Australian general practice registrars: a cross-sectional analysis from the ReCEnT study

ObjectiveThis study aims to establish prevalence and associations of (1) influenza and influenza-like illness (IILI) presentations to Australian general practice (GP) registrars (trainees) and (2) the use of neuraminidase inhibitors...

Human Resource Management in the Modern Air Transport Business Environment

Abstract The report shares some theoretical propositions in relation to human resource management in the aviation industry. Definitions of its essence are given and the individual elements of the system built in this regard are highlighted. An attempt was made to study the state of air transport and the role of human resources in the business conditions of Bulgaria. On the one hand, it was shared the importance of the human resources management system for increasing the quality of the performed activities, and on the other the need to improve it, due to the lack of suitable personnel for the aviation industry. Some factors and challenges of the modern business environment that impact on human resource management are highlighted. Guidelines for its improvement are proposed. They are related to ensure the conditions for carrying out vocational training; search for possible solutions to overcome the weaknesses and strengthen the positive aspects of the human resources management system; compliance with a certain algorithm when evaluating the effectiveness of vocational training of employees; continuous investment in the development of the knowledge and skills of the employed, in accordance with the developed and designed vocational training programs; improving the forms of vocational training; exchange of experience and ideas from world practice on human resource management in the aviation industry.

Методические аспекты проектирования подсистемы мониторинга удовлетворенности потребителей в системе оценки качества вуза

The article discusses the methodological principles of building a subsystem for monitoring the satisfaction of the main groups of consumers of educational services; features of the application of qualimetric methods in assessing the quality of educational activities. The structural scheme of the indicators of the quality of educational activity, the results of the approbation of the developed methodology for calculating the complex indicator of satisfaction of consumer groups with the quality of educational activity on the example of assessing the satisfaction of students of additional vocational education programs, their employers and university employees involved in the educational process are given. Based on the calculation of individual and complex quality indicators and their comparison with target indicators, the problems identified in the course of the study of the implementation of educational programs are analyzed. The determination of group (or complex) indicators was carried out using the weighted average method, which made it possible to calculate group complex (or complex) indicators by averaging the estimates of individual indicators, taking into account their weighting coefficients. To identify the situation according to the diagnosed level of satisfaction of students with the quality of educational activities, a developed diagnostic scale was used with a description of the characteristics of the identified situation. The value of the complex indicator of satisfaction of consumer groups with the quality of educational activity obtained in the work is 0.86, which makes it possible to diagnose a high level of satisfaction and characterize the situation at the university as prosperous.

Rights for all? Living conditions and (de)citizenship of adults with intellectual and complex disabilities in Portugal.

In 2009, Portugal ratified the UN CRPD and a turn to a rights-based approach in disability law and policy has intensified since. It thus becomes important to understand whether these legal changes are furthering the social inclusion of adults with intellectual and complex disabilities. Questionnaires were applied to a stratified sample of 127 adults with intellectual and complex disabilities attending social care and vocational training programmes across the country. Participants reported low rates of social participation, and many (49%) were found to live below the poverty line. High rates of discrimination and violence and feelings of loneliness and sadness were also reported, which can be strong indicators of the oppression that many of them daily endure. Adults with intellectual and complex disabilities in Portugal face exclusion, discrimination, and violence. The poverty and isolation in which many of them live compounds their (de)citizenship status in Portuguese society.

The need for vendor development programmes to increase the efficiency of the automotive industry in Pakistan

Although there is always a need for further development in business models and industrial organisations via gradual improvements in their operations including production activities, warehouse management and supply chain management, it is quite obvious that from the present rise in inflation, a gap between the employees and the employers has been observed in the automotive sector due to a lack of vocational training or vendor development programmes causing uncertain attributes. The study aimed to highlight the significance of vendor development programmes in the automotive sector along with hindering factors and uncover the impediments that do not allow the encouragement of vendor development programmes in the said industry in Pakistan. The methodology for this research is qualitative, which will take the best measures by collecting the data from the vendors, especially from the operations department as this department is having deep insight and core knowledge about the organisation. The study concluded that financial constraint is the major factor that limits vendor development programmes in the automotive industry of Pakistan. Keywords: Automotive industry, training programmes, vendor, vendor development programmes

A Study on Recruitment and Selection in the Education Sector with Reference to the Vocational Coursesin Tribal Communities

This study aims to explore and analyze the recruitment and selection practices in the education sector, specifically focusing on vocational courses within tribal communities. The primary objective is to identify the key challenges, strategies, and potential improvements in the recruitment and selection process for vocational education in these marginalized communities. The education sector plays a crucial role in empowering tribal communities by providing them with access to vocational courses that enhance their employability and socioeconomic development. However, ensuring effective recruitment and selection processes tailored to the unique needs and characteristics of tribal communities remains a significant challenge. The research methodology employed in this study includes a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches. Primary data is collected through interviews, surveys, and focus group discussions involving stakeholders such as educational institutions, tribal community members, educators, and policymakers. Secondary data is gathered from existing literature, reports, and case studies related to vocational education and tribal communities. The study investigates various aspects of recruitment and selection in the education sector, including the identification of potential candidates, assessment methods, cultural considerations, and community engagement. It examines the current practices and policies implemented by educational institutions in recruiting and selecting students for vocational courses within tribal communities. Findings from the study provide insights into the challenges faced by educational institutions, such as limited access to quality education, lack of awareness about vocational courses, cultural barriers, and geographical constraints. Additionally, the study explores innovative strategies employed by institutions to address these challenges, including community outreach programs, targeted recruitment campaigns, and inclusive selection criteria. Based on the analysis of the data, the study proposes recommendations and best practices to enhance recruitment and selection processes in the education sector for vocational courses in tribal communities. These recommendations aim to improve inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, and community involvement in the selection process. Moreover, the study highlights the importance of collaboration between educational institutions, policymakers, and tribal community leaders to ensure effective implementation of these recommendations. This study contributes to the existing literature on recruitment and selection in the education sector by specifically focusing on vocational courses within tribal communities. The findings and recommendations will be valuable to educational institutions, policymakers, and other stakeholders involved in the design and implementation of vocational education programs for marginalized communities

Education, Off-the-Job Vocational Training, and Early Employment Outcomes: Evidence from Italy

Education and training are primary sources of individual human capital. We explored the relationship between education and off-the-job vocational training and the impact of training programmes on youth employment in Italy. We focused on three outcomes: employment probability, use of formal/informal job search channels, and skill matching. We identified programme effects by comparing the outcomes of treatment and control groups using propensity score matching with a robustness check to assess the potential bias due to unobservable characteristics. Individuals with vocational high school degrees are more likely to participate in vocational training programmes, but in southern regions, individuals with technical or generalist high school degrees also attend vocational training programmes. Vocational training programmes have positive effects on youth employment outcomes, reduce the use of informal job search channels, and improve skill matching, especially in the centre-northern regions.

Pengaruh Pertumbuhan Ekonomi, Pengangguran dan Indeks Pembangunan Manusia Terhadap Kemiskinan di Provinsi Kalimantan Tengah

The purpose of this study is to identify and analyze the impact of economic growth, unemployment and the Human Development Index on poverty levels in Central Kalimantan. Survey data is a quantitative research method using a descriptive data approach and can be obtained from search engines such as BPS and other online data providers. There is a correlation between the Human Development Index (IPM) and the poverty rate in Central Kalimantan Province which shows that the poverty rate increases with every increase in the HDI. Estimates for other causes are constant. In addition, to reduce unemployment through vocational training programs, increase the transfer of personal wealth or human resources needed to build infrastructure to increase employment and provide them with social support

Assessment and analysis of the level of natural science literacy of students

Introduction. Today, the problem of functional literacy is on the current scientific agenda and is the object of numerous studies, socio-political manipulations and pedagogical influences. Natural-science literacy is most actively studied along with mathematical and reading literacy. The assessment of the quality of education is, in essence, a mechanism for identifying deficits in the education system itself. In this context, the purpose of the article is to analyze the level of development of natural-science literacy of students of secondary vocational and higher education. Materials and methods. To assess students' natural-science literacy, test tasks were developed in accordance with the criteria and parameters used in the PISA study. The study involved students of Bunin Yelets State University, students in the first years of secondary vocational education, bachelor's and specialist's programs. The sample size includes 683 students, which is 83% of the entire general population (determined by the number of first-year students). The study was conducted in September 2022. The design of the study involves the provision and analysis of results on the following parameters (general level of natural-science literacy, natural-science competencies, areas of natural-science knowledge, contexts, motivation for natural-science education) in the context of the entire sample, as well as sample groups classified by level education and training profile. If there is data on any parameter of the all-Russian sample, the results are compared. The processing of the quantitative results of the study was carried out using the Kruskal-Wallis test using the SPSS v.26 software tool. Results. A study of the natural-science literacy of students showed that students have an average level (84.6%), the average score for the sample (541 points) exceeds the national similar indicator (476 points). There were no significant differences between the groups of students in higher and secondary vocational education programs in the study. Statistically significant differences are present in the study of the natural-science literacy of students of various educational profiles. In the sample of students of social-humanitarian profiles, the largest percentage of respondents with a threshold level of science literacy (11.6%), while students of mathematics-technology and natural-science profiles did not demonstrate such results. The largest percentage of students with a high level of natural-science literacy is observed among students of natural-science training profiles (34.5%) and mathematicaltechnological profiles (10.5%). The average score for a sample of students of social-humanitarian profiles is 528 points, mathematics-technology – 561 points, natural-sciences – 595 points. At the same time, within the entire sample, there is an approximately equal percentage of students with threshold (20.2%), low (26.9%), medium (29.7%), and high (23.1%) levels of motivation natural-scientific education. Scientific novelty. For the first time, the natural-science literacy of students was studied on the material of a large sample, taking into account the levels of education (secondary vocational education, higher education) and training profiles (social-humanitarian, natural-science, mathematical-technological). Practical significance. The study of the natural-science literacy of students will significantly increase the significance of national sections of the quality of education, since it gives a complete picture of the features of natural-science education. Keywords: functional literacy, natural-science literacy, secondary vocational education, higher education, PISA

Training of teaching staff in the context of the transformation of the value of family and childhood

Рroblem and purpose. In the context of the growing role of education in ensuring sustainable development and of changing socio-psychological and pedagogical characteristics of modern family and childhood, due to many reasons and factors, the actual problem is the adaptation of the system of training teachers, focused on recognizing the value of family and childhood. The purpose of the study is to study changes in the training of teaching staff in the context of the transformation of the value of family and childhood. Research methods. The study involved 502 people, including: 246 people – students – future teachers (State Humanitarian and Technological University); 106 people - practicing specialists of educational institutions and 150 people – representatives of the parent community (secondary school No. 16, secondary school No. 18, OrekhovoZuyevo, Moscow Region, Russian Federation). Research results. Differences in the perception of the value of childhood and family by future teachers and practitioners were revealed: future teachers are less aware of childhood as a special stage of development in comparison with practicing specialists (36% and 42%, respectively); perceive childhood as a special world, full of pleasant and unpleasant surprises (56,7% and 36,4%); less focused on understanding childhood as a social group in need of additional protection and assistance (24% and 54,6%). It was revealed that future teachers, in comparison with practicing specialists, have changed their attitude towards the student's family to a greater extent: future teachers began to better understand the problems of the family (70% – future teachers and 45,6% – practicing teachers). The growing number of parents (+10,3%), recognizing the value of childhood, its uniqueness, the need for protection and assistance, creates conditions for successful interaction between the family and the educational organization, the use of active forms of educational, educational, cultural and leisure activities. Difficulties encountered by teachers in building relationships with the families of students (48,1% of the surveyed future teachers and 20,7% of practicing teachers experienced significant difficulties and were not ready to interact with students during the period of selfisolation), reinforce the need to revise the content and training technologies teaching staff. Strengthening the practice-oriented component in the training of teaching staff (the use of gaming technologies, case situations, internships, etc.) makes it possible to ensure the subject position of the student-future teacher, the formation of a conscious acceptance of the value of family and childhood, their uniqueness and originality. Conclusion. The formulated results of the study expand the understanding of the essence of the ongoing transformation of the family and childhood, and also serve as the basis for designing the content and technologies for training teachers in the framework of vocational education, professional retraining and advanced training programs. Keywords: social and cultural changes, family transformation, family value, childhood value, teacher's mission, teacher training

Individual training trajectory of future polygraph examiners as an effective pedagogical tool for the formation of professional competencies

The author in the presented work discusses the topical issues of using the individual trajectory for the students' learning in the educational process of the departmental education system, undergoing professional retraining according to the programs of additional professional education, as an effective pedagogical tool for the formation of the necessary professional competencies. A variable methodology for the formation of individual educational trajectories is proposed, based on the analysis of the needs and capabilities of each student according to vocational training programs in educational institutions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation. In the course of applying the possibilities of an individual learning trajectory, it is assumed that this will contribute to a more effective formation of the necessary knowledge. The novelty of the research lies in the fact that the individual learning trajectory, in turn, allows students in a creative format to choose topics that are important in their opinion and scientific and practical directions that most accurately correspond to their needs and interests, and at the same time, in cooperation with teachers, acquire serious practical experience in this field. The pedagogical idea, from the point of view of organizational aspects, is that each educational organization should have a regulatory, legal and pedagogical opportunity to implement individual learning trajectories of students as an effective way to improve the learning process, focused on obtaining fundamental knowledge by students in all areas of science and practice

Does a vocational education program prepare competent graduates for further academic programs?

PurposeThis study examines whether students graduating from SSC-VOC perform better in diploma engineering programs.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses quantitative and qualitative methods to examine how secondary school certificate-vocational (SSC-VOC) graduates perform in their subsequent vocational programs.FindingsDespite having vocational training orientation, this study finds that graduates from SSC-VOC receive lower grades than their public counterparts by 0.109 cumulative grade points average (CGPA).Social implicationsFindings imply that policymakers should increase teachers' numbers, salaries and laboratory facilities. In addition, collaboration between SSC-VOC institutions and polytechnics would allow them to offer a quality engineering education. In such a way, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programs prepare human resources to promote economic development and employment, expand production opportunities and improve employment quality.Originality/valueThis is the first piece of work conducted in Bangladesh that has examined the quality of VET graduates for furthering their studies. This study added value by providing some pragmatic suggestions for practical implications.

Do different types of vocational education and training programmes influence earnings? Recent evidence from India

PurposeIndian government initiated several skill development policies and different types of vocational education and training (VET). Yet the participation in skill education is low because of poor labour market outcomes. This paper aims to calculate returns to skill education to understand the type of training that will have better labour market outcomes.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper nationally representative data from the periodic labour force survey (PLFS), collected by the national sample survey office for 2017–2018, are used to estimate the returns to formal and non-formal VET obtained (after different levels of general education) with the help of Heckman's two-stage method.FindingsNearly 8% of the working-age population has received some form of VET (mostly non-formal), generating poor returns. For the overall population, formal on-job training (OJT) and full-time VET influence wage positively and significantly. Full-time VET obtained after secondary and below levels of education generates positive returns, whereas part-time VET is profitable only to those without formal education. At the graduate level, technical education obtained along with VET is associated with better wages.Originality/valueIn India where a considerable proportion of the workforce is employed in the informal sector, different types of skill training like full-time, part-time and OJT influence labour market outcomes. This finding has policy implication for countries with large informal sector and calls for further research in such countries.

Knowledge and behavior of community pharmacists towards detecting drug-drug interactions

Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) are preventable medication errors that can cause severe adverse effects for patients, which often involve more than one mechanism. Healthcare practitioners, especially community pharmacists, must know and manage potentially significant DDIs to provide patient safety. This paper mainly aims to determine the knowledge level of community pharmacists about DDIs and to evaluate the behavior of community pharmacists in detecting DDIs. For this aim, a face-to-face questionnaire, including a knowledge assessment test containing 20 drug pairs and ten behavior statements related to detecting DDIs, was applied to community pharmacists. Seventy-three pharmacists participated in the study. The study’s findings show that the knowledge level of community pharmacists, who are the closest health consultants, about DDIs is relatively low. In addition, responses were found to be moderate in detecting drug interactions.Although statistically significant and positive effects of vocational training on the knowledge level and behaviors of pharmacists were determined, it was revealed that education levels did not have a significant effect. In this regard, it is essential to improve community pharmacists’ DDI knowledge level through vocational training programs and encourage their interaction-detecting behavior to improve patient outcomes and patient safety.

Adults between school and working life

The aim of this study is to examine what it means to be a student in a vocational education and training programme in the municipal adult education system in Sweden and how the interplay between school and working life affects students’ identity formation. To achieve this, 12 students from two different programmes have been interviewed at the end of their education: one group of assistant nurses and one group of floor layers. The results show that learning a vocation and developing a vocational identity is a journey through different practices with whom students both identify and dis-identify themselves. In these processes of identification, students can also undergo personal development in a broader sense or develop an identity as an adult. Understanding adult student identities, in particular how they see themselves as learners, can be beneficial for those working with and in adult learning. Furthermore, what the school teaches may conflict with the expectations and daily demands of working life, creating a divide between practices. Understanding the divide between school and working life, and how students are affected by this divide, can also facilitate the understanding of their vocational identity development process.

Development, predictors, and effects of trainees' organizational identification during their first year of vocational education and training.

The vocational identity of trainees is one component of their professional competence and is considered to be a central goal of vocational education and training (VET) programs. From the numerous identity constructs and conceptualizations, this study focuses on the organizational identification of trainees, that is, the extent to which trainees internalize the values and goals of their training company and perceive themselves as part of this company. We are specifically interested in the development, predictors, and effects of trainees' organizational identification, as well as the interrelations between organizational identification and social integration. We use longitudinal data of n = 250 trainees in dual VET programs in Germany at the very beginning of their VET program (t1), after 3 months (t2), and after 9 months (t3). A structural equation model was used to analyze the development, predictors, and effects of organizational identification for the first 9 months of training and the cross-lagged effects between organizational identification and social integration. The results showed a high stability of trainees' organizational identification over the first 9 months. Regarding the predictors, the results indicated positive direct and indirect effects of the formal socialization tactics implemented by the training company, as well as of support by the trainer at the beginning of the training. However, collegial support at the beginning of the training did not seem to play a significant role in organizational identification. Moreover, organizational identification positively affected trainees' emotional engagement and self-perceived competence while negatively predicting dropout intentions after 9 months of training. Finally, the cross-lagged effects between organizational identification and social integration were not significant, and only at t3 were these constructs positively correlated. However, regarding the development, predictors, and effects, very similar results were found for organizational identification and social integration. The results underline the positive significance of organizational identification for the individual, the company, and society, even at this early stage of training. The results are discussed regarding both their scientific and practical implications.

Is It Who You Are or Where You Are? Accounting for Compositional Differences in Cross-Site Treatment Effect Variation

In multisite trials, learning about treatment effect variation across sites is critical for understanding where and for whom a program works. Unadjusted comparisons, however, capture “compositional” differences in the distributions of unit-level features as well as “contextual” differences in site-level features, including possible differences in program implementation. Our goal in this article is to adjust site-level estimates for differences in the distribution of observed unit-level features: If we can reweight (or “transport”) each site to have a common distribution of observed unit-level covariates, the remaining treatment effect variation captures contextual and unobserved compositional differences across sites. This allows us to make apples-to-apples comparisons across sites, parceling out the amount of cross-site effect variation explained by systematic differences in populations served. In this article, we develop a framework for transporting effects using approximate balancing weights, where the weights are chosen to directly optimize unit-level covariate balance between each site and the common target distribution. We first develop our approach for the general setting of transporting the effect of a single-site trial. We then extend our method to multisite trials, assess its performance via simulation, and use it to analyze a series of multisite trials of adult education and vocational training programs. In our application, we find that distributional differences are potentially masking cross-site variation. Our method is available in the balancer R package.