Integration of Higher and Vocational Education: Trends and Challenges

Abstract

Today, integration of vocational and higher professional education, a prerequisite for the creation of a continuing education space, is gaining particular relevance. This creates a need for in-depth analysis of how different levels of education are interlinked in the context of the conjugation of universal and professional skills that shape the innovative model of a high school graduate, and a need to highlight the pros and cons of the merger of vocational and higher education. This study uses general research methods: analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, as well as mathematical and statistical methods. The paper analyzes and evaluates the practices of Novosibirsk State University of Economics and Management that has integrated programs at different levels by restructuring its NSUEM Business College and embedding the vocational education programs in the continuing education model. The study of students’ educational paths from vocational education to bachelor and specialist degrees leads to a conclusion that the model has been a success based on statistical data, which indicate that people who graduate from vocational programs are likely to pursue higher education at NSUEM. Program content assessment proves the continuity of the effort to teach future specialists general cultural and professional skills. On the other hand, research also highlights several challenges that jeopardize the strengths of this integration model and call for its further elaboration and modification towards better learning process and greater professional competence of the graduates.