Mykolaiv Region Advances Vocational Education Ownership Transfer

The reform of vocational education continues in Mykolaiv region. Seven educational institutions are to be transferred to the ownership of the regional council.

These issues were discussed at a meeting of the Standing Committee on Industrial Policy, Entrepreneurship, Transport Infrastructure, Water Management, Energy and Energy Saving, Communications and Digitalization.

This is a free transfer of integral property complexes of vocational education institutions from state ownership to the territory of ownership. Currently, Mykolaiv has seven vocational schools that have not been transferred to the balance sheet of the region before. After obtaining the consent of the deputy corps, the transfer process should begin, which may take 2-3 years.

Today, the regional council actually finances the educational process, but has no opportunity to dispose of the property of the institutions, as they belong to the state.

We are like renting an apartment: we pay all the expenses, but cannot change anything. The transfer of educational institutions to the region will allow us to decide on their reorganization, improve their material base and attract additional funding," said Alla Velikhovska, director of the Department of Education and Science.

"As for the educational institutions in district centers, the process of their transfer is already at its final stage. Four of the eight vocational schools will soon be officially transferred to the ownership of the region.

At the same time, the issue of financing these educational institutions has arisen. According to Article 89 of the Budget Code, vocational education in cities of regional significance is funded from local budgets. That is, although the regional council will become the balance sheet holder, the costs of the educational process will continue to come from the city budget.

Today, there are many international programs that help develop vocational education. For example, the 21st vocational school has a modern laboratory for training electricians, and graduates get jobs right away. In addition, sponsors and international organizations, such as the UN, are now actively involved. Some businesses also support the institutions by contributing funds for their development and maintenance.

Snihurivka Vocational School, which suffered significant damage during the occupation, has a similar experience. International donors, including the Danish Refugee Council, are providing financial support for the restoration of the dormitory.

Thus, the transfer of vocational schools to the ownership of the region will be the maximum step towards improving the training base, training qualified specialists and attracting additional investment in education.

Recently, the first culinary hub for training professional chefs was launched in Mykolaiv region. More than UAH 11 million was allocated to create a modern training space. The main goal is to improve the skills of chefs at educational institutions and kindergartens to ensure a successful transition to new food standards.

Анна Бальчінос