Introduction. In the context of sanctions restrictions, ensuring the technological sovereignty of several sectors of the domestic economy has become crucial. Therefore, it is essential to align the volume and structure of training of mid-level specialists with the needs of economic development in the regions. Staffing the implementation of technological sovereignty projects is as important as the availability and large-scale dissemination of domestic technologies for their successful implementation. 

The aim of the study is to analyse the compliance of the structure of training personnel with secondary vocational education with the needs of economic development in the framework of the implementation of technological sovereignty projects. 

Methods. The study used a comparative analysis of the results of monitoring by the Federal Service for Labour and Employment on  the employment of  graduates who have completed secondary vocational education programmes, federal statistical observation data on the form of SPO-1 for 2017–2022, and materials of sociological surveys on the motives of  employment of  graduates of  secondary vocational education. For greater clarity, the results are presented in the form of infographics. 

Results. The study revealed significant imbalances between the volume and structure of training of mid-level specialists with the current and future needs of the economy in several subjects of the Russian Federation. The analysis also revealed regional heterogeneity in the employment of graduates of secondary vocational education and training programmes for mid-level specialists. Based on data on the needs of regional economies, the study estimated staffing needs for industries and formulated tasks for the system of secondary vocational education to train personnel for industries implementing technological sovereignty projects.

Practical significance. The findings can be used to make managerial decisions at both vocational education organisations and regional levels in  terms of  synchronising the training system of vocational education organisations in the labour market in the context of changing economy

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.