International cooperation
From 24 to 28 March, as part of the Erasmus+ program, a group of teachers and vocational trainers from Snovsk Vocational School of forestry visited Ogre (Latvia), where they spent five working days getting to know the organisation of the educational process at Ogres Meža Tehnikums, a modern educational institution that trains specialists for the forestry industry and other sectors of the Latvian economy.
The delegation included Iryna Usyk, Uliana Kotliarevska, Anna Sukhobok, Artem Moskalenko, Dmytro Dubyna, Serhii Doroshenko and Maryna Horpynenko. The participants got acquainted in detail with the structure of the educational institution, the peculiarities of training specialists and visited all the departments of the college. This allowed them to see in practice how educational programs in forestry are implemented.
Special attention was paid to the material and technical base of the educational institution and the methodology of teaching forestry specialties by Latvian colleagues. The participants had the opportunity to learn how to work on harvester and forwarder simulators, which allowed them to test modern technologies used in logging. They also observed the harvester in action during the felling of a white alder plantation.
An important aspect of the visit was to compare forest management in state and private forests, and to learn about the range of forest materials and methods of waste-free harvesting. The teachers saw how innovative approaches are being used to restore forest resources and care for forests.
Sergiy Doroshenko took part in practical felling sessions, working with the Latvian students on a chainsaw. This allowed him to master the latest logging technologies, learn from the practical experience of his European colleagues and share his own professional skills.
In addition to forestry, the participants were also introduced to other educational and scientific institutions in Latvia. The delegation visited the new city library, where they learned about the advanced technologies used in its construction and operation. Particular attention was paid to the environmental solutions aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact, including the use of wastewater for heating.
The teachers and master craftsmen also visited a local high school, where they had the opportunity to compare teaching approaches, get acquainted with the educational process and discuss the possibilities of introducing innovative methods in the teaching of science.
The final stage of the trip was a visit to the National Botanical Garden of Latvia and the Kingdom of Plants Botania. This provided an opportunity to see modern approaches to research, conservation and use of plant resources, and to immerse themselves in a space that combines education, science and the aesthetics of nature. Participants learnt in practice how to popularise botany and natural sciences through interactive formats and game-based methods.
The trip was intensive and provided an opportunity to gain valuable experience, learn about the European approach to education and forestry, and broaden professional knowledge.
At the end of the program, all participants received a certificate of participation in the Erasmus+ project (number 2024-1-LV01-KA121-VET-000208401), confirming the successful completion of the work placement at Ogre Technical School. This certificate is a proof of professional development, which included an introduction to the vocational education system, study of forestry machinery and dendrology, which allowed to deepen knowledge and exchange experience in the field of forestry.
The State Vocational Educational Institution “Snovsk Higher Vocational School of Forestry” is an institution of the third certification level. It was founded in 1967 as an institution for training skilled workers, and today it can provide retraining and advanced training for working workers and the unemployed, as well as pre-vocational training for students of secondary schools. It provides training in the following specialties:
- PLASTERER, PLASTERER-TILE-MAKER, PAINTER;
- WOODWORKING MACHINE OPERATOR, CARPENTER(JOINER)
- COOK, CONFESSIONER
- LANDSCAPE, FORESTRY, HUNTER
On the basis of a qualified worker by profession: "Cook, confectioner", "Landscaper, forester, hunter", "Cook", "Forester, hunter", "Forester", "Woodworking machine operator, carpenter(joiner)" are admitted to an educational institution for training for educational - qualification level "PROFESSIONAL JUNIOR BACHELOR":
- by specialty 205 "Forestry", qualification "Forestry technician" 205 "Forestry", qualification "Wood processing" and 181 "Food technologies", qualification "Technician-technologist in food technology".
In addition, students can obtain the profession of category "C" driver.
The university also trains students with disabilities. For this purpose, special groups have been created, and theoretical and practical training is conducted according to special programs, taking into account the individual needs of students.
Close cooperation with the employment center allows us to provide education for the adult population and focuses on lifelong learning. Training in such groups allows adults to retrain and master professions that meet the requirements of the modern labor market.
The school has an active Career Center that ensures successful employment of graduates. Close cooperation with stakeholders (forestry, Slavforest woodworking company, Corfard plant, local catering establishments) contributes to business development and the regularization of professional workers in the region.
Within the framework of the European Union's Erasmus+ program in the field of education, training, youth and sport in Ukraine, the school actively cooperates with international partners from Luua, Estonia. International cooperation with the Ogre Technical College in Latvia began back in 2006 and is actively continuing today.
Also, within the framework of international cooperation between the Snovsk Vocational School and the J. Birwirth Vocational School (JBS) in Memmingen, Germany, which has been going on since 2006. Memmingen, which has been going on since 2006, masters of vocational training in the profession of carpenter, woodworking machine operator, from our institution are constantly cooperating with colleagues from Germany.
From October 2022 to September 23, the international American training program for children, Teesns skills up club “Leaders fostering leaders”, was implemented in our school.
In 2024, the EuroPaths Euroclub was organized on the basis of the school with the support of the international community. We are now partners in the project “Information Support for the EU Network in Ukraine” initiated by the club members.
The school works closely with the LAMPA NGO, a Global Communities partner that implements the CLEAR program's objectives in the community. As part of this cooperation, an art space has been set up at the school, a place where everyone can find support, inspiration, and the opportunity to express their feelings through art.
In 2023-2024, the educational institution participated in the selection process and was included in the top ten educational institutions that were included in the project “Energy Efficient Educational Institution. Thermal modernization of vocational education institutions within the framework of developed energy efficiency courses. 2.0“ (ENEFEDU 2.0)” (81298093), implemented by the Charitable Foundation “People” in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine with the support of the Project “Promoting Energy Efficiency and Implementation of the EU Energy Efficiency Directive in Ukraine” (FEER), implemented by GIZ on behalf of the governments of Germany and Switzerland.
Currently, the school is actively involved in the implementation of the regional project “Innovations in the Forestry Industry” with the completion of the workshop of the laboratory for the training of harvesters.
In the period from November 04 to November 08, 2024, the working group visited the Luua Forestry School (Republic of Estonia) to develop international cooperation.
The trip to the Luua Forestry School (Republic of Estonia) was organized with the assistance of Igor Kondratenko, Director of LISTECHNIK LLC.
Arbo Liuke, Partnership Development Manager of the Finnish company Ponsse, which specializes in the production of forestry machines such as harvesters, arrived to meet with Ukrainian educators to get acquainted and discuss issues related to the training of harvesters and forwarders in the European Union and the prospects for such training in vocational education institutions in Ukraine. These machines are widely used in the forestry industry in developed countries for efficient felling and processing of wood.
The summarizing result of the visit of Ukrainian colleagues-educators to the Luua Forestry School (Republic of Estonia) was the signing of an agreement on international cooperation!
In the 2024-2025 academic year, the Snovsk Higher Vocational School of Forestry is cooperating with the "Right to Protection Foundation" on gender equality, security, combating and preventing various forms of violence as part of the International 16 Days Against Violence. These issues are important and relevant. A number of online events have been organized for students: “The ability to say “No”, “Nonviolent communication: respect, honesty and freedom in relationships” and others.
Post code: 15200
Address: 5, Bulvarna Str., Snovsk, Chernihiv region, Chernihiv district, Ukraine
E-Mail address: snovskvpulg@ukr.net
Contact phone numbers: 04654 2-18-54, 04654 2-29-57
Head of the institution: Mrs. Larysa Dubyna
Contact person for international cooperation: Oliinyk Kateryna. 0638532152, samsungije@gmail.com
