LocationsA Teacher's Desk over the Private Sector: Why 20-Year-Olds Pursue a Teaching Career
November 5, 2024
In Belarus, the number of young people eager to begin their careers as early as possible has been steadily rising in recent years. In 2023, 45% of ninth-graders chose to enrol in vocational education institutions. This fast track to employment allows young people to unlock their potential and achieve professional success already in their early twenties.
Some students go on to pursue higher education, while others find jobs within their industry. However, there are those who opt to stay in vocational education institutions, taking on the role of instructors and teaching their peers the skills they have recently mastered.
To understand what motivates young people who have acquired in-demand professions to pursue teaching, we spoke with three recent graduates: Artem, Matvei, and Piotr.
Teaching educators first: The key to training in-demand professionals
The World Economic Forum predicts that by 2027, 23% of global jobs will undergo significant transformation due to the rise of new technologies. A recent study by UNDP in Belarus analyzed emerging professions in agriculture, construction, and engineering, noting the rapid adoption of automation, digitalization, robotization, and green technologies in Belarusian enterprises. Over the next five years, the ability to quickly adapt to shifts in the labor market and embrace new technologies will become one of the most sought-after skills in the workforce.
Belarus' vocational education system is central to meeting employers' demand for skilled professionals. At the heart of its efforts to better prepare students for the jobs of the future are teachers who now need to not only impart foundational skills but also inspire students to engage with new technologies.
In 2024, UNDP supported the Ministry of Education in developing 19 new professions, updating three educational standards, and equipping competence centers. Moreover, 11 training sessions were held across Belarus for experts and trainers of the national team competing in professional skills competitions. A total of 105 specialists from across the country enhanced their teaching methods, drawing on the expertise of leading professionals from both Belarus and abroad.
Professional skills competitions have proved to be powerful catalysts for professional growth. Apart from showcasing talent, they offer students and recent graduates a chance to master practical skills, stay ahead of industry trends, and quickly secure employment, exceeding the limits of formal education.
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