USUST’s VETpartEx project recognised among the EU’s top 20 educational initiatives
The European Union has included the international project VETpartEx ‘Future-Oriented Vocational Education and Training for Ukraine’s Construction Sector Through Partnerships for Excellence’, implemented with the participation of the SEI ‘Prydniprovska State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture’ of the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies among the top 20 most significant Erasmus+ educational projects featured by the European Commission in the special publication Learning, Connecting, Rebuilding. The selection includes initiatives aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s resilience, developing human capital, and supporting its European future.
Funded under the Erasmus+ KA2 grant programme since February 2025, VETpartEx unites universities, vocational education institutions, employers, and professional organisations from Ukraine and EU countries. The consortium is coordinated by Münster University of Applied Sciences (Germany). International partners include the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Mendel University in Brno, the Vocational College of Bottrop, and other educational and professional organisations across Europe. Ukrainian partners include the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies, the Institute of Professional Qualifications, and vocational education institutions from Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, Lutsk, Odesa, and Rivne.
The aim of VETpartEx is to modernise vocational education in the construction sector through the implementation of a competency-based approach, the renewal of educational programmes, the strengthening of partnerships between educational institutions and employers, and the alignment of professional training with current labour market demands. Particular emphasis is placed on developing human capital necessary for Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction and on introducing European standards of vocational training.
As part of the project, USUST has established the Centre for Vocational Education and Innovation in Civil Engineering. The Centre serves as a modern platform for the implementation of advanced European approaches, digital technologies, BIM solutions, and energy-efficient practices. Its activities foster collaboration among representatives of education, research, and industry in preparing a new generation of highly qualified professionals.
One of the project’s key priorities is the professional development of educators. Throughout 2025-2026, the representatives of USUST and Ukrainian vocational education institutions participated in a series of international training placements in Germany та Slovakia , where they explored contemporary vocational education methodologies, digital learning tools, competency-based approaches, and European construction standards. The knowledge gained is being applied to the development of new academic programmes, open online courses, and teaching and learning materials.
A significant milestone in expanding international cooperation was the signing of a memorandum of strategic partnership in May 2026 between the SEI ‘PSACEA’, USUST and Diasphere, a global leader in BIM and VDC technologies. This cooperation provides students and academic staff with access to advanced digital tools for design and construction management while supporting the integration of Ukrainian engineering education into the global professional environment.
Today, VETpartEx represents far more than just an educational project. It is an example of effective international partnership that unites university research, vocational education, and industry to prepare professionals who will contribute to rebuilding Ukraine according to with modern European standards.
The inclusion of VETpartEx among the twenty most significant Erasmus+ projects supporting Ukraine recognises the successful work of the international consortium and confirms the important role of the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies in advancing the European educational landscape, developing human capital, and shaping the future of Ukraine.