Key aspects of the development of secondary vocational education: a case study of the Rostov Region

Abstract

Introduction. Today, the effectiveness of the economic development of a region is determined by social and economic indicators, including an increase in the performance of works and the growth of employment, which in turn depend on the state of the education system in the region. Secondary vocational education is an important part of the education system, since it develops the key competences required in the region and provides the region’s economy with highly qualified human resources. Purpose. The purpose of our study was to determine and classify the indicators revealing the state of the secondary vocational education in the region by analysing the approaches to its formation within the IT environment of the region. The article substantiates the estimate of institutional and reproduction indicators of the secondary vocational education system in the Rostov Region. It also suggests a series of measures for providing the region’s economy with qualified professionals. Methodology. In our study, we used systems analysis and machine learning methods, and human capital theory. The database included statistical data regarding the social and economic performance of the Rostov Region in 2007-2017 published in a statistical digest “Regiony Rossii”, and the results of the Rosstat monitoring of the development of information society in the Russian Federation. Results. The article suggests a concept of a secondary vocational education system in the region taking into account the influence of the interrelated factors of the IT environment. The main development areas, including in the Rostov Region, are considered, and a classification of the indicators of the state of the secondary vocational education system in the region is suggested. The indicators are divided into two groups: institutional and reproduction indicators. Based on the statistical analysis and trend lines, we estimated these indicators for the Rostov Region and suggested a series of measures aimed at providing the region's economy with qualified human resources. Conclusions. The suggested development of the system of secondary vocational education should facilitate sustainable social and economic development of the region since it will help to provide the hi-tech industries of the region with an adequate number of qualified professionals.