Analytical Report “Training Needs Assessment for the Development of Inclusive Vocational Education and Training”

The analytical report presents the findings of a comprehensive assessment of the knowledge and practical skills needed by teaching and management staff of VET providers to implement inclusive learning. The study combined analysis of the legal and regulatory framework, an online survey of educators, focus groups, on-site visits to VET providers, interviews, and analysis of practical cases.

The findings revealed an important gap: educators generally support the principles of inclusion, but lack practical tools for implementing them specifically in vocational education and training settings – in workshops, during work-based training and work placements, in assessing vocational competences, and in engaging with employers. Thus, more than 75% of respondents have only a superficial understanding of universal design principles or are unfamiliar with them, while more than 85% have no experience of working with a teaching assistant.

The report identifies key areas in which competences need to be strengthened: universal design and accessibility, planning adaptations to the educational process, team-based and interdisciplinary work, supporting diverse learners, inclusive leadership, and the transition from learning to employment. Particular emphasis is placed on the need to move from one-off training sessions to practice-oriented learning, mentoring, supervision, and sustained professional follow-up support.

The report’s key conclusion is that the development of inclusive vocational education and training requires a shift from isolated initiatives by individual educators and managers to systematic institution-wide practice, supported by clear procedures, teamwork, and practical tools.

Звіт буде корисним The report will be useful for heads and teaching staff of VET providers, support specialists, training programme developers, representatives of education authorities, and organisations working to develop inclusive vocational education and training in Ukraine.

The project “Inclusive Vocational Education and Training: Improving Training for Veterans and People with Disabilities” is implemented by the National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine (NAPD) in cooperation with Christoffel-Blindenmission Christian Blind Mission e.V. (CBM) with financial support from the European Union, Germany, Poland, Estonia, and Denmark, as part of the Skills4Recovery Multi-Donor Initiative, implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and Solidarity Fund PL (SFPL).