Vocational (vocational and technical) education problems of Donetsk Oblast, which have accumulated for decades, need urgent solution. Thanks to the support of international organizations, including UNDP in Ukraine, work has begun in the region to research the vocational education and training system. The first step on this path was the analytical study of the VET system and the labour market of the region, which was carried out under the UN Recovery and Peacebuilding Programme.

This study provided an opportunity to identify both Ukraine-specific and region-specific VET development problems. The presentation of the study results, its discussion with a range of stakeholders confirmed the need of the next step – the development of a regional strategy (hereinafter referred to as the Strategy) for reforming the VET system of Donetsk Oblast. It is a systemic document that should contain a number of measures – from the formation of a strategic vision of the region’s VET system to the definition of specific goals, measures and mechanisms for its reform.

The Strategy is the result of the cooperation of all the stakeholders, including educators, business representatives, local authorities and international organizations. The Strategy's implementation period is 2020-2027.