The modern context of new systemic challenges is transforming the international agenda of vocational education and training system (VET) in terms of accessibility, expanding opportunities, and integration of adult learners into lifelong learning. Active modernization of the education system, taking into account the characteristics of the “adult learner”, their needs, goals and objectives predetermine the necessity to adapt the modern system to the new reality and interests of the new target group in terms of quality and content of programs, specifics and new teaching and learning approaches, transformation of social partnership and on-the-job training programs, development of new financial tools and VET efficiency assessment. The purpose of the article is to identify the current needs, and VET development trends in the context of adult education. The research results can be used in regard to the educational programs development taking into account the characteristics of the new target audience, the formation of mechanisms for the involvement of the adult learners into VET, the modernization of the national adult learning policy, as well as rethinking of new learning paradigm in general.

The article is devoted to the analysis of methodological foundations and practice of internationalization of professional education in Finland. Based on the analysis of state documents and research presents the experience of forming the frame of internationalisation of the national education system in terms of its integration into the European education system. The features of planning and implementation of the strategy of internationalization at the level of the state and individual institutions, the possibility of applying the experience of internationalization of higher education in vocational education are considered.

The article provides an overview of the main directions of development of European vocational education and training (VET). An attempt has been made to identify the vector of development of European VET for setting new emphasis on international cooperation and the development of domestic VET, its integration into the European professional space and the labor market. In their study, the authors rely on the work of leading foreign analytical centers, statistical databases and reports of international organizations involved in the study of vocational education, as well as on the results of their own research and development in studying the problems of the development of vocational education

Модернизация системы профессиональной ориентации в Европе заключается в распространении на нее концепции непрерывного образования, или образования в течение всей жизни — Lifelong Learning. Это означает, что основополагающим принципом профессиональной подготовки и переподготовки является нацеленность на формирование мобильности, способности человека меняться в соответствии с изменениями условий его жизни и труда. В таком понимании профориентация становится одним из приоритетов государственной политики стран Европы.

Взаимодействие сферы профессионального образования и сферы труда получило в международной практике название «социальное партнерство» и является мощным средством повышения эффективности профессионального образования и обучения, обеспечивая связь образовательных услуг с экономической жизнью и сферой труда и необходимый баланс спроса и предложения квалификаций, умений / компетенций на рынке труда.

The authors of the article analyzed approaches to assessing the effectiveness of the vocational education and training (VET) system based on foreign experience. The research results can be used in the development of activities aimed at improving the quality and effectiveness of VET. The findings can be useful in modernizing the VET development strategy and VET assessment methodology in the context of its sustainable development and improving performance

The article examines the main trends in the development of centers of excellence as the most important tool for improving the quality of personnel training for a rapidly changing labor market. The analysis of international and Russian experience of the centers of excellence, their formats and impact on the modernization of the vocational education system is carried out. Recommendations for the further development of a network of similar centers in our country are presented.

The subject of the study comprises the current trends of the work-based learning due to the acceleration of changes in the content of labor and the complexity of professions, which often makes it difficult or even impossible to master new skills in an educational organization. Thus, the article contains a systemic examination of the key most common models of work-based learning against the backdrop of its on-going growing relevance and expansion. The aim of the study is to identify invariant characteristics of the work-based learning from the polyactor communication perspective and to identify conditions for its successful implementation. The employed methodology relies on the diachronic approach supported by the empiric methods of desk-top research such as systems analysis method and text analysis method, as well as elements of social engineering Theoretical novelty is in the identification of the configuration of the poly-actor dimension of work-based learning and its inherent properties relevant for enhancing quality and efficiency of the work force that would be adequate to the challenges of the knowledge economy and Industry 4.0. It is concluded that the added value of work-based learning in the form of apprenticeships and dual models as well as its other configurations is outside the formal contractual frame integrating its actors and lies in the targeted organization of the process of learning in the real-life work environment. The practical value is in the possibility of using the proposed conclusions and recommendations to further modernize vocational and professional education and courses in management in education.

Introduction. The article is devoted to the analysis of the circular economy in terms of improving vocational education and training (VET) system. Greening, digitalisation and increasing working life duration are shaping the labour market and education policies. The linear paradigm of sustainable development is being replaced by the circular economy (CE), which leads to the emergence of new professions, new approaches to the organisation of work, and new combinations of skills that meet the mobile, flexible, and sustainable labour market needs. Aim. The purpose of the study is to identify trends and opportunities to improve the effectiveness of VET at the system level in terms of transition to CE. Methods. The employed methodology relies on elements of socio-economic modelling, structuring and systematisation, the case-study method and foresight technologies. The interdisciplinary approach made it possible to identify and extrapolate socio-economic development trends to the area of the labour market needs forecasting in the context of the CE transition. Results. It is concluded that circular business process models are facilitating the transition to a more equitable and environmentally sustainable CE. Extrapolating the circular approach to the VET system will ensure its transition to the Industry 5.0 thus increasing its efficiency: the training will go in parallel with the development of new industrial technologies. Transition to CE will also require a new approach to the VET innovations and T-shaped skills. Theoretical novelty lies in identifying the key principles and elements of the CE formation, and the pathway for improving VET within the framework of a circular strategy. Practical significance. Obtained results can be used for further VET modernisation, programmes and learning models content transformation, as well as for the creation of innovative learning spaces within the circular paradigm.