This edition of Member Spotlight features Snovsk High Vocational School of Forestry, a new ENE member that demonstrates how vocational education can support local communities, foster innovation, and contribute to regional recovery in Ukraine.
Building Skills for the Region
Snovsk High Vocational School of Forestry is a multidisciplinary vocational education institution located in the border region of Chernihiv Oblast, Ukraine. It plays a vital role in preparing skilled professionals and supporting the socio-economic resilience of its local community.
Serving 586 learners, the institution offers training in a wide range of in-demand occupations, including plasterer, tiler and facing worker, painter; woodworking machine operator and carpenter; cook and confectioner; gardener, forester, and gamekeeper; as well as tractor operator of agricultural (forestry) production (categories A1, A2) and forester. The school also provides pathways in pre-tertiary vocational education at the professional junior bachelor level in selected specialities. Importantly, it serves both young people entering the workforce and adults seeking new skills or career changes.
At the heart of its mission, Snovsk High Vocational School of Forestry is committed to preparing skilled workers who respond directly to the needs of the regional labour market and contribute to local development and recovery.
Learning Through Practice
Its educational model combines strong theoretical foundations with hands-on, practice-oriented training. This approach ensures that learners develop real professional competencies in environments that closely reflect actual working conditions.
A defining strength of the institution is its two specialised training and practice centres: the Woodworking Technologies Centre and the Modern Forestry Centre. These facilities provide students with access to modern equipment and technologies, enabling them to gain valuable practical experience. Training is delivered by experienced master trainers and is strengthened through close cooperation with local employers.
Partnerships with enterprises and municipalities are a cornerstone of the school's approach. Through organised internships, workplace-based learning, and continuous alignment of curricula with labour market needs, the institution ensures that its graduates are well-prepared for employment and that vocational education remains relevant to regional development.
Supporting People and Communities
Operating in a border area within Chernihiv Oblast, the school functions in a complex social environment. As a result, psychological support for learners is an essential part of its educational framework. The institution promotes a safe and supportive learning environment grounded in trauma-informed approaches and individual assistance. Special attention is given to vulnerable groups, including internally displaced persons, veterans, and women entering non-traditional professions.
Beyond initial vocational training, the school is actively expanding opportunities for adult education and lifelong learning. Retraining and upskilling programmes help community members adapt to changing labour market demands and improve their employment prospects.
Innovation for the Future
Innovation is increasingly integrated into the learning process. Project-based learning, digital tools, and the development of green skills are gradually being introduced across vocational programmes, helping learners prepare for the evolving demands of modern industries and sustainable practices.
Looking ahead, the institution aims to further strengthen its role as a key regional provider of vocational education. Its long-term vision includes transformation into a Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) through expanded partnerships, modernised learning environments, and closer alignment with European approaches to vocational education and training.
As a cornerstone of its community, the school continues to demonstrate how vocational education can drive opportunity, resilience, and regional development - preparing not only workers, but also building pathways for recovery and long-term growth.
A Shared Journey Towards Excellence
For our school, being part of the ETF Network for Excellence is both an honour and a responsibility. As a vocational school located in Ukraine's border region, we know that education is not only about developing skills - it is also about building resilience, hope, and opportunities for people and communities.
Being part of ENE allows us to learn from inspiring colleagues across Europe, exchange ideas, develop partnerships, and bring innovative approaches to vocational education. It gives our teachers confidence that their work matters beyond their own classrooms and shows our learners that they are part of a wider European community.
For us, excellence is not a destination but a shared journey. Together, we become stronger, support one another, and create better opportunities for the future.
On behalf of Snovsk Team: Larysa Dubyna (Director), Iryna Usik, Kateryna Oliinyk (International Relations Coordinators).
Find Snovsk High Vocational School of Forestry description on ENE ATLAS:
https://openspace.etf.europa.eu/ene-atlas/snovsk-high-vocational-school-forestry
Explore Innovative Practices at Snovsk High Vocational School of Forestry!
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Good practice 1: Psychosocial Support in a Vocational Education Institution in a Border Region
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Good practice 2: Development of Green Skills in VET
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Good practice 3: Practice-Oriented Learning Model (“Real Work Workshops”) in Vocational Education and Training
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