Introduction. The quality of education in Russia is considered one of the national development goals of  the country for the period up  to 2030. To  manage the personnel training quality, a standardised assessment system is needed that allows identifying the degree of results achievement and promptly adjusting development strategies taking into account the labour market requirements. 

Aim: to describe the trends and regional features of the development of new practices for assessing the training quality of VET-programmes graduates in the observation period of 2022–2024. 

Methods. The methods of generalisation, comparison and contrast, analysis of time series of indicators, descriptive analytics, methods of mathematical statistics and graphical presentation of information were used. Information sources: data from the statistical reporting forms of the Federal Statistical Observation SPO-1 and SPO-Monitoring. 

Results. It was revealed that over a 3-year observation interval, all Russian regions increased (on average by 11 percentage points) the relative number of VET programmes graduates who passed the final certification using a demonstration exam (DE). However, as before, in Russia as a whole, less than half of VET programmes graduates participate in the assessment of the training quality in the form of DE (in 2024 – 34,5 %), while the constituent entities of the Russian Federation are significantly differentiated by this indicator. Statistical analysis revealed a marked shift of assessment scores toward higher values, attributable to the violation of the unified scales principle for the transition from “raw” points to assessment on a 5-point scale. 

Scientific novelty. The trends in the development of a system for external assessment of  the VET programmes graduates using standardised DE-mechanisms in  the Russian regions are identified. It  is established that federal and regional executive authorities in the education field currently lack reliable tools for diagnosing the vocational education quality achieved in the regions. 

Practical significance. The obtained data will make it possible to adjust the regulations and methods for conducting the DE. This will allow its results to be used as an effective monitoring tool for managing the training quality in regional VET systems, enabling prompt adjustments and minimising the risks of failing to achieve vocational education goals in response to changing labour market requirements.

Introduction. The shortage of personnel with secondary vocational education in the labour market is  a phenomenon that, along with other reasons, is  linked to  students dropping out voluntarily. For vocational educational organisations, the issue of student dropout also has direct financial consequences. Student retention is  a key indicator of a college’s performance. A low retention rate of students directly affects the stability of the teachers’ workloads. This leads to a decrease in the motivation of the teaching staff, a deterioration in the quality of education and creates a situation that exacerbates the problem of dropout. 

Aim. Analysis of the causes and factors influencing the dropout of students from the secondary vocational education system. 

Methods. The leading method was the analysis of statistical data of the SPO-1 form from the 2017 to 2024 academic years. 

Results. The study systematised the causes and factors behind student dropout in programmes for training skilled workers and mid-level specialists in public and private vocational educational organisations. Measures to  preserve the student body were proposed. 

Scientific novelty. Systematisation of the causes and factors behind student dropout from the secondary vocational education (SVE) system. 

Practical significance. The proposed measures for improving student retention mechanisms can be  used by  the administration of  educational institutions when developing strategies to reduce the proportion of students who leave before obtaining a diploma.

Introduction. In  the context of  the renewal of  national projects and a  shortage of personnel, the issue of the professional future of ninth-grade graduates who have not received an education certificate is becoming particularly significant. The absence of this document deprives them of the opportunity both to continue their studies, including vocational training, and to find promising employment. This situation calls for scholarly reflection and the search for solutions to support the professional development of this specific group of adolescents. 

Aim. The aim of the study is to assess the current state of the problem concerning school graduates who do not possess a certificate of basic general education and to identify possible directions for their professional and educational trajectories. 

Methods. In  the course of  the study, statistical data on  the results of  the State Final Examination (GIA) in 2024 across several Russian regions were analysed, along with the outcomes of the pilot project “Without a Certificate, but with a Profession.” 

Results. The pedagogical problem associated with the uncertainty of the possibilities of continuing education (including professional education) for school graduates without a certificate of basic general education is highlighted. The necessity of theoretical and methodological substantiation of approaches to the study of the possibilities of solving this problem and the creation of  organizational and pedagogical conditions in  the education system for preparing adolescents not only for the profession, but also for life in  society, taking into account the experience of  the Sverdlovsk region in  organizing vocational training for this category of adolescents, is noted. 

Scientific novelty. The necessity of  recognising ninth-grade graduates who have not received a  certificate of  basic general education as  a distinct vulnerable group of adolescents—excluded from the education system and lacking a defined professional trajectory—has been substantiated. For the first time, attention is  drawn to  the development of  organisational and pedagogical conditions that would facilitate the continuation of their educational and professional development. 

Practical significance. The experience of the Sverdlovsk region in the implementation of  the pilot project “Without a  certificate, but with a  profession” presented here may be applied in the development of regional and federal vocational training programs for school graduates who have not received a certificate of basic general education.

Introduction. This article builds on the findings presented in the previous issue of the journal1. Continuing the discussion on ensuring the continuity between secondary vocational and higher education programmes in the training of civil servants, the authors – following their justification of  selection criteria for the most promising secondary vocational education graduates eligible for further study at universities – present the principles and methodology for organising work with the selected student cohort. This includes a description of the selection stages, participants at each stage and their roles, the specific features of  the educational process design, the applied teaching methods, and students’ curricular and extracurricular activities. Importantly, the concept of “selection” is viewed not as a filtering tool, but as a foundation for students’ personal and professional development. 

The aim of the article is to justify the procedure for selecting graduates of professional educational organisations who are capable of  continuing their studies in  civil service training programmes. 

Methods. The study used methods of analysing the content of regulatory documents, systematising relevant legal information, and scientific and methodological sources. The literature search was conducted in such databases as the Scientific Electronic Library (elibrary.ru), CyberLeninka (cyberleninka.ru), and Google Scholar (scholar.google.ru). The study examined the experience of several projects implemented by federal and regional executive authorities to create a youth talent pool. A project-based approach was used to describe the selection process for the most promising young people with active civic engagement and a motivation to serve the public. 

Results. A procedure for the selection and advanced training of VET students for further university studies and subsequent entry into civil service has been developed, along with recommendations for implementing a candidate support system at the regional level. 

Scientific novelty. The principles of selection and subsequent support of VET students focused on obtaining higher education and subsequent work in government agencies have been substantiated. Organisational and methodological conditions to ensure the timeliness and effectiveness of  the procedure for identifying and advanced training of young people who are predisposed and motivated to serve in government have been identified. 

Practical significance. The materials of this article can be used by vocational education institutions, higher education institutions, professional training providers for civil service, university career centers, and regional executive authorities.

Introduction. Modern socio-economic and political conditions of  our country’s development determine the course towards technological leadership and sovereignty. As  a result, there is  a pressing need to  modernise personnel training, including civil servants in the higher education system. 

Aim. Definition of the scientific and methodological foundations for goal-setting and planning of educational activities in the civil servants training process at the university level. 

Methods. The methods of  generalising analysis of  the scientific sources content on  approaches to  goal-setting and planning of  educational activities in  professional education were used. 

Results. Information on various approaches to goal-setting and planning of educational activities at  university is  systematised, key theses of  the concept of  goal-setting and planning of  educational activities in  the civil servants’ training process, the necessary conditions for its implementation, and potential risks and ways to minimise them are presented. 

Scientific novelty. The multi-level nature of  educational goal-setting and planning of the civil servants training process is revealed, the structure of the university graduate competency model in the field of state civil service is presented, the need for designing networking and law-making model of the educational process is substantiated. 

Practical significance. The risks of  implementing the goal-setting and planning of educational activities concept of the civil servants training process and possible ways to minimise them are identified

Introduction. Attracting and retaining young specialists in  municipal service is  a strategic task today. At  the same time, the negative image of  a municipal official dominates the news agenda, which is  seen as  a predictor of  disrupted professional identity among students in the corresponding degree programme. 

Aim. To identify the characteristic features and possible deformations of the image of a municipal employee that exists in the representations of students. 

Methods. The focus group method was used with 3rd-4th year students of  the training programme “State and Municipal Administration”. The focus group venues were Belgorod State University (Belgorod) and the State University of  Management (Moscow). Additional methods used included a questionnaire survey of students in the corresponding degree programme and content analysis of Telegram channels. 

Results. Key determinants of career choice have been established. Students articulated the values of municipal service. At the same time, some students during their studies came to  the conclusion that their personal characteristics, professional interests and value orientations do not correspond to the specifics of the chosen professional activity. Factors that violate the professional identity of students include criticism of officials in the media discourse, stigmatisation of the negative features of the profession (corruption, bureaucracy), and the low information content of official media. 

Scientific novelty. As  a result of  the study, it  was established that high-profile news about municipal employees negatively affects students’ perception of  their future professional activities. A  counterbalance to  negative media practices is  the interest of young people in the personal public pages of municipal leaders. This type of study has been conducted in Russia for the first time. 

Practical significance. The obtained results can be used in developing courses related to the professional ethics of municipal employees, the foundations of statehood, etc.

Introduction. Enhancing the attractiveness of  municipal service is  considered today as a priority area of staffing local authorities. At the same time, the contextual conditions of  border regions create ambivalence in  how municipal service is  perceived among young people. 

The aim of  the article is  to identify how student youth perceive the attractiveness of  municipal service in  the current context, as  well as  to uncover their motivations, concerns, and expectations regarding work in local government bodies. 

Methods. The focus group method was used with 3rd–4th year students majoring in “State and Municipal Administration” of the Kursk Academy of Public and Municipal Service and Kursk State University. 

Results. It  was found that the key motive for choosing a  profession is  the desire to  engage in  socially useful activities (helping people, developing local areas), while pragmatic aspects (stability, benefits) are less widespread. However, natives of rural areas demonstrate a pronounced local identity and willingness to work in their municipalities, but subject to state support – preferential mortgages, health insurance. 

The scientific novelty of the study lies in establishing the high significance of territorial identity as  a motivating factor in  students from border regions choosing to  work in municipal authorities. 

Practical significance. The proposed recommendations can be  used to  improve the training process for specialists majoring in “State and Municipal Administration”.

Introduction. The development of Russia’s education strategy up to 2036 highlights the importance of creating a unified management personnel reserve within the education system. To update the practices of forming this reserve, it is necessary to take into account the key sociocultural and technological contexts that define the characteristics of the educational reality and the principles of managing the system at the federal, regional, and municipal levels. 

The aim of the research is to develop the conceptual foundations for forming a unified management personnel reserve within the education system, ensuring effective management of the development of human resource potential in educational administration bodies. 

Methods. To carry out the research, a set of methods was used: theoretical analysis, focus group, survey (unstructured interview), expert assessments and analysis of targeted thematic materials from open information sources. 

Results. New conceptually grounded approaches have been proposed for organising the process of forming a personnel reserve to fill vacant positions of heads of regional executive authorities responsible for state management in the field of education, as well as municipal education management bodies. 

Scientific novelty. The scientific novelty of  the research lies in  conceptualising approaches to updating the practices of forming the unified managerial personnel reserve of the education system for the regions of the country. 

Practical significance. The results of the study can be used by education management authorities at the regional and municipal levels to improve the effectiveness of regional personnel policy and ensure the integrity of managing the processes involved in developing human resource potential.

Introduction. The rapid development of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) presents higher education systems with the challenge of its effective and safe integration. This article provides a comparative analysis of strategies for GenAI integration into the educational, research, and administrative activities of universities in Russia and leading foreign universities in the United States, the European Union and China. 

Aim. The aim of the study is to identify universal and context-dependent factors that shape GenAI integration strategies. 

Methods. The research is based on an analysis of 27 current publications and institutional documents (for the period 2023-2025) selected from Scopus, Web of Science, RSCI (eLibrary.ru), Google Scholar, and CyberLeninka databases, as well as official documents and reports from leading universities. Comparative analysis and content analysis methods were employed. 

Results. The study identified both universal factors and barriers to  GenAI integration (e.g., AI competency deficits, the need to transform assessment systems, ensuring academic integrity), and significant regional differences in  approaches to  regulation, AI literacy development, adaptation of pedagogical practices, and ethical considerations. It was established that there is no single optimal path for GenAI integration; the effectiveness and safety of  strategies are largely determined by  national and institutional contexts, technological development levels, and cultural specifics. Scientific novelty. 

The scientific novelty of the research lies in the comprehensive comparative analysis of GenAI integration strategies across different regional higher education systems, which revealed both common trends and barriers, as well as specific national approaches to the use and regulation of this technology. 

Practical significance. The findings can serve as an informational and analytical basis for developing and adjusting national and institutional strategies for GenAI implementation in higher education, as well as for shaping approaches to international cooperation and the exchange of best practices in this field.

Introduction. In  2024, Russia recorded a  rise in  the number of  private universities – a trend not seen in the country for more than a decade. In addition, the number of students enrolled in  these institutions is  also increasing. Particularly rapid is  the growth in enrollment in private universities offering secondary vocational education programs, the number of which has doubled over the past two years. Moreover, non-state universities are showing higher growth rates in R&D (research and development) compared to  public institutions. However, in  light of  upcoming demographic changes among youth – as projected by RANEPA, Rosstat, and IIASA (the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis) – and considering the trend of  a growing proportion of  9thgrade graduates entering colleges and technical schools, the question arises: what are the most promising areas of activity for private universities in the coming years? 

Aim. To identify potential promising directions for the development of private universities in Russia. 

Methods: In  preparing this publication, the authors used two key research methods: statistical analysis and modeling. The information sources included consolidated forms of federal statistical observation No. VPO-1, No. SPO-1, and No. OO-1; population forecasts by single-year age groups up to 2040 developed by a group of researchers from RANEPA; data from Rosstat; and informational-analytical materials based on the results of university performance monitoring. 

Results. The expected decline in the number of young people aged 15–19 –the main potential university applicants – in the 2030s highlights the need for private universities to expand the implementation of higher education programmes in fields that are in demand in the labour market, as well as to increase the number of secondary and continuing professional education programmes. A shift toward scientific research is advisable only for a specific cohort of non-state universities that were either originally established for such purposes or have since proven themselves in this area. 

Scientific novelty. The study identifies potential promising directions for the development of private universities in Russia. 

Practical significance. The results of  the study can be  used by  university leadership when making strategic decisions regarding the selection of promising development directions for private universities in Russia.

Introduction. In the context of a persistent shortage of teaching staff and the increasing average age of  teachers in  Russia, the issue of  developing a  stable professional selfidentity among future educators becomes especially relevant. Despite government support measures—such as  the development of  specialised pedagogical classes and the provision of publicly funded places in relevant universities—the choice of a teaching profession by graduates is not guaranteed. One of the key factors facilitating students’ conscious integration into the professional community is  the development of  their professional self-identity during their period of study. 

Aim. Identification of  personal factors influencing changes in  the professional selfidentity of students at a pedagogical university enrolled in the ‘Life Safety’ programme. 

Methods. The empirical part of  the study is  based on  surveys using a  set of  three methods: a questionnaire of professional inclinations (L. Jovashi modified by G. Rezapkin), a  diagnostic test “Professional identity / marginalism” (E. Ermolaeva), a  questionnaire of  professional readiness ((OPG-6) L. Karbadova). Methods of  mathematical statistics were used to analyse the obtained data. 

Results. A number of personal qualities influencing the professional self-identification of  students, along with their significance, were identified. The potential of  certain personal factors for shaping students’ professional identity is demonstrated; problematic areas are identified, such as the low correlation between some theoretically significant factors and the actual dynamics of changes in professional self-identity; possible ways to address these issues are proposed. 

Scientific novelty. The research results made it  possible to  examine in  detail the professional self-identity of  students at  pedagogical universities, including those studying in the “Life Safety” specialisation. 

Practical significance. The obtained results can be  used by  Life Safety instructors to determine the direction of personality-oriented work with students.

Introduction. The professional self-determination of  students—future teachers—is an important goal of university-based career guidance, as it supports the development of the personality of the future professional. Despite the large number of studies on the professional development of teachers, the role of value-semantic characteristics of the personality in the process of professional self-determination, including during university training, remains insufficiently explored. 

Aim. The aim of the study is to identify the influence of career and value orientations on the professional self-determination of student teachers. 

Methods. The study is based on the value-semantic approach, according to which the success of professional self-determination in student teachers is associated with valuesemantic characteristics of  their personality that indicate a  meaningful choice of  the teaching profession. A  sample of  168 participants was used. The data were analysed using frequency, qualitative, and correlation analysis. 

Results. Specific features of career and value orientations were identified among student teachers with different statuses of professional self-determination. A relationship was found between the degree of  certainty in  students’ professional choice and the importance they place on  the values of  professional competence and service. Trends in the change of professional self-determination statuses among student teachers were observed as they advanced to new stages of professional education. 

Scientific novelty. The scientific novelty lies in  identifying the relationship between professional self-determination statuses and the career and value orientations of student teachers. 

Practical significance. The results of the study can be used in the development of names aimed at enhancing the professional self-determination of student teachers.

Introduction. In the Chelyabinsk region, as a major industrial area of Russia, there is an acute need for training qualified personnel for production, the social sector, and the agro-industrial complex. To address this issue, the educational strategy TEMP74 has been developed, aimed at  creating a  network of  specialized education, integrating career guidance with training, and providing conditions for school students to make informed choices about their future professions. 

Aim. To present mechanisms for the design and functioning of the network of specialised education, and to  determine the approaches and grounds for selecting the content of specialised education in general education organisations. 

Methods. During the preparation of the article, an analysis was carried out regulatory documents, scientific publications, and practices related to specialised education, career guidance, and early vocational training, first of all, in schools in the Chelyabinsk region. 

Results. Within the framework of designing specialised education at the regional level, normative and scientific-methodological conditions for its implementation have been identified. 

The scientific novelty of the research lies in the definition of methodological approaches and foundations for designing the content of specialised education. 

The practical significance is  determined by  the possibility of  applying the obtained results for designing a model of specialised education in schools.