International cooperation
Enabel – A Partner in the Transformation Journey of Snovsk Higher Vocational School of Forestry
The Belgian Development Agency "Enabel" is one of the key international partners of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine in the reform of vocational education and training (VET). In cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and the European Training Foundation (ETF), Enabel supports the implementation of European approaches to vocational education, skills development, ber cooperation with employers, and the establishment of a national network of Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) in Ukraine.
The primary objective of this cooperation is to help Ukrainian VET institutions respond to the evolving needs of the labour market, integrate European quality standards, foster innovation, and prepare skilled professionals who will contribute to Ukraine's recovery and sustainable development.
For Snovsk Higher Vocational School of Forestry, participation in this initiative marked the beginning of a new stage of institutional development. Our institution became one of the Ukrainian VET providers selected to participate in the transformation process towards becoming a Centre of Vocational Excellence and joined the UA CoVE Practitioner's Network—a professional community bringing together change leaders in vocational education.
-From a Shared Vision to Real Transformation
The journey began with a series of strategic sessions where participants jointly shaped a vision for the future of Centres of Vocational Excellence in Ukraine. School leaders and institutional teams explored the changing role of vocational education, discussed current challenges and future opportunities, and examined approaches to building modern educational ecosystems.
Over time, these activities evolved into a comprehensive professional development programme that combined training, international exchange, strategic planning, teamwork, and the development of institutional transformation models.
- Turin: Discovering the European CoVE Model
A major milestone was the study visit to the "European Training Foundation (ETF)" in Turin, Italy.
During this visit, Ukrainian teams had the opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the European philosophy of Centres of Vocational Excellence. Discussions focused on innovative governance models, strategic partnerships, skills ecosystems, collaboration with businesses, local communities, and public authorities.
For our team, the visit became a turning point. We realised that a Centre of Vocational Excellence is not defined by new buildings or modern equipment. Above all, it is built on people, partnerships, strategic vision, openness to innovation, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
- Bruges: Excellence in Teaching for Modern VET
The next stage of our journey was participation in the programme "Excellence in Teaching in Vocational Education and Training", whose practical component took place in Bruges, Belgium.
The programme focused on innovative teaching methodologies, digital pedagogy, project-based learning, professional development of teachers, and adult education.
The knowledge and experience gained during the programme have become a valuable foundation for introducing modern teaching approaches at our institution. Contemporary vocational education must be flexible, practice-oriented, and responsive to the needs of both learners and employers.
-Girls in STEM: Expanding Opportunities for Young Women
Another important area of international cooperation has been participation in the "Girls in STEM" іnitiative.
For our institution, this initiative represents much more than promoting science and technical careers. It is about fostering equal opportunities, empowering girls to pursue professional careers in technical fields, and challenging traditional stereotypes regarding "male" and "female" professions.
We firmly believe that modern vocational education should create opportunities for everyone who wishes to realise their potential.
- Summer School in Lviv: From Ideas to Strategy
The culmination of this phase was the *Summer School" organised with the support of Enabel.
During the Summer School, institutional teams worked intensively on developing their concepts for Centres of Vocational Excellence, institutional development programmes, operational models, strategic priorities, partnerships, and concrete implementation plans.
For the team of Snovsk Higher Vocational School of Forestry, the Summer School became the place where a comprehensive vision of our institution's future took shape. We identified key development priorities, designed promising projects, developed our institutional CoVE model, and outlined the strategic steps required for its implementation.
It was also during this collaborative work that new ideas emerged for international partnerships, micro-qualifications, adult learning, green skills development, support for veterans and internally displaced persons, inclusive education, and ber cooperation with employers and local communities.
-The People Behind the Transformation
A special contribution to this transformation journey was made by Oleksandra Borodiienko, Enabel's Education and Skills Development Expert in Ukraine.
Through her professional guidance, strategic vision, and b belief in the potential of Ukrainian vocational education institutions, programme participants not only learned about European approaches to developing Centres of Vocational Excellence but also redefined their own role in strengthening communities, partnerships, and local skills ecosystems.
We also express our sincere gratitude to the entire Enabel team, the experts of the European Training Foundation, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, and all partners who continue to support Ukrainian vocational education institutions on this important journey.
-Looking Ahead
Today, Snovsk Higher Vocational School of Forestry continues its transformation towards becoming a Centre of Vocational Excellence with confidence and determination.
We understand that this journey does not end with developing a strategy or participating in international programmes. The next steps involve implementing our transformation model, expanding international partnerships, developing innovative educational programmes, introducing micro-qualifications, strengthening cooperation with employers, and identifying new solutions that contribute to community development.
We firmly believe that genuine vocational excellence is created where teamwork, partnership, trust, and a shared commitment to continuous improvement come together.
For this reason, our cooperation with Enabel has become far more than participation in an international programme. It has marked the beginning of a profound institutional transformation that opens new opportunities for teachers, learners, local communities.
-A Journey Towards International Recognition: From ENE Atlas to the ETF Spotlight on Snovsk Higher Vocational School of Forestry.
The international activities of "Snovsk Higher Vocational School of Forestry" are not defined by isolated projects or occasional achievements. They represent a consistent and strategic journey of development built on openness to international cooperation, a commitment to vocational excellence, and the willingness to embrace modern European approaches to vocational education and training.
An important milestone in this journey was our institution's inclusion in the ENE Atlas—an international platform of the European Training Foundation (ETF) that brings together vocational education and training providers implementing the principles of "Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs)".
Being featured in the ENE Atlas means becoming part of a European community of VET institutions that foster innovation, strengthen partnerships with employers, contribute to local and regional development, and continuously improve the quality of vocational education.
For our institution, joining the ENE Atlas represents an important international recognition and confirms that the experience of a Ukrainian vocational education provider is valued within the wider European VET community.
The next significant step was the presentation of "Snovsk Higher Vocational School of Forestry" on the "ETF Open Space" platform as part of the "European Network of Excellence (ENE) Member Spotlight"series.
In its feature, the European Training Foundation introduced our institution as a new member of the network, highlighting our mission, educational programmes, practice-oriented learning approach, close cooperation with employers, commitment to developing green skills, support for the local community, and our vision for the future.
The publication also showcased three examples of good practice that our institution is proud to share with the international vocational education community. Equally important, it reflected our belief that genuine excellence is achieved through collaboration, mutual support, continuous learning, and a shared commitment to innovation.
The publication dedicated to "Snovsk Higher Vocational School of Forestry" is another testament to the fact that Ukrainian vocational education has become an active part of the European educational landscape. It also demonstrates that the expertise, experience, and achievements of our teachers and institutional team are attracting growing interest well beyond the borders of Ukraine.
We sincerely thank the "European Training Foundation (ETF)" for providing us with the opportunity to present our institution within the international professional community. Inspired by this recognition, we remain committed to developing vocational education that is open to partnership, innovation, and new opportunities, while contributing to the advancement of vocational excellence both in Ukraine and across Europe.
-ISATCoVE Guided Implementation: An International Collaboration on the Journey Towards a Centre of Vocational Excellence
"Snovsk Higher Vocational School of Forestry" participated in the "ISATCoVE Guided Implementation Programm", becoming one of only 25 vocational education and training (VET) institutions from different countries selected to work under the direct guidance of experts from the European Training Foundation (ETF).
The programme brought together institutions committed to developing in line with the European model of "Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs)" and provided participants with the opportunity to apply the "International Self-Assessment Tool for Centres of Vocational Excellence (ISATCoVE)".
ISATCoVE enables VET institutions to conduct a comprehensive assessment of their performance, identify strengths and development opportunities, and build a strategic vision aligned with European approaches to quality assurance and institutional excellence.
For our institution, participation in the programme represented an important milestone in our international development. It provided a unique opportunity to collaborate with vocational education providers from different countries, receive expert guidance from the European Training Foundation, and implement an internationally recognised self-assessment framework within our own institution.
-Self-Assessment as a Driver of Institutional Development
Over several months, the school team carried out a comprehensive institutional self-assessment using the ISATCoVE framework.
The process covered all major areas of institutional performance, including strategic leadership, the quality of teaching and learning, professional development of teachers, international cooperation, partnerships with employers, community engagement, digital transformation, green skills development, adult learning, innovation, and internal quality assurance.
One of the distinctive features of ISATCoVE is its evidence-based approach. Every assessment result is supported by documented evidence, institutional practices, statistical data, measurable outcomes, and examples of successful partnerships. This methodology enables institutions to evaluate their level of development objectively while identifying strategic priorities for continuous improvement.
- Working Alongside ETF Experts
A defining feature of the Guided Implementation Programme was the continuous support provided by ETF experts throughout the entire process.
Over the course of several months, our team progressed through every stage of the self-assessment—from analysing the framework and collecting evidence to discussing the findings and identifying future development priorities.
ETF experts offered individual consultations, helped interpret the ISATCoVE criteria, facilitated reflection on institutional strengths, identified opportunities for improvement, and supported the development of strategic decisions. Thanks to this close cooperation, the self-assessment process became much more than a formal exercise—it evolved into a practical instrument for institutional learning and sustainable development.
- From Self-Assessment to Strategic Development
The outcome of the programme extended far beyond a comprehensive institutional assessment.
Based on the findings, our team identified strategic development priorities, defined key areas for improvement, strengthened partnerships with stakeholders, and continued refining our roadmap towards becoming a "Centre of Vocational Excellence".
The self-assessment process encouraged us to view the institution from a new perspective, systematise existing practices, recognise our strengths, and establish a clear vision for future development in accordance with European quality principles.
Contributing to the Development of ISATCoVE
An especially valuable aspect of the programme was that participating institutions not only applied the ISATCoVE framework but also provided practical feedback to ETF experts regarding its implementation.
The experiences of participating institutions, together with their self-assessment findings and recommendations, have become an important contribution to the further refinement of the tool and its preparation for wider implementation across vocational education and training institutions.
It is expected that from autumn 2026, ISATCoVE will become available to a significantly larger number of VET institutions, supporting the wider adoption of European approaches to self-assessment, strategic planning, quality assurance, and the development of Centres of Vocational Excellence.
-Looking Ahead
For "Snovsk Higher Vocational School of Forestry", participation in the ISATCoVE Guided Implementation Programme has confirmed that Ukrainian vocational education institutions are active contributors to the European education and skills community.
We are proud to represent Ukraine among institutions working together with the European Training Foundation to advance vocational education based on quality, partnership, innovation, and continuous improvement.
We believe that vocational excellence is not a destination but an ongoing journey—one that requires openness to new ideas, continuous learning, and the courage to embrace change for the benefit of our learners, our communities, and the future of Ukraine.
ENE Member Spotlight: Snovsk High Vocational School of Forestry - building Skills, supporting Community, strengthening the Region | Open Space, Snovsk high vocational school of forestry | Open Space
From 16 to 20 February 2026, a study tour entitled 'Creating Centres of Professional Excellence' took place in Turin, organised jointly by the Belgian Agency for International Cooperation (Enabel) and the European Training Foundation (ETF).
Iryna Usik represented the Snovsk Higher Vocational School of Forestry as part of the Ukrainian delegation, comprising representatives from the education administration and economic sectors, as well as managers and teachers from vocational schools.
The main objective of the visit was to examine the success factors of Italian Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) and to identify effective practices for integrating into the development strategy of Ukrainian vocational education.
A training and practical centre for innovative technologies in the forestry industry was established on the basis of our educational institution. The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine selected the educational institutions to establish the Centres in 2024. The creation of such a Centre in our border community was made possible through the cooperation of government and business. A subvention from the state budget was provided for the project, and other budgets of different levels also contributed: UAH 400 thousand was allocated from the budget of the Snovska territorial community, and UAH 100 thousand from the district budget. The school itself also invested UAH 1.2 million, as well as other sponsorship and charitable support. This resulted in the creation of a modern workshop on the school's premises and the purchase of the latest equipment for practical training in forestry. It is a great honour that the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine chose our school to participate in the state programme for the renovation of workshops and the creation of a training centre, as this is a great investment in the near future for our community and the country as a whole!
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. +380638532152, samsungije@gmail.com , Usik Iryna. +380974802839, Iryna.097u@gmail.com
