THE IMPACT OF THE RUSSIAN-UKRAINIAN WAR ON THE TRAINING OF FASHION INDUSTRY SPECIALISTS IN UKRAINE

Abstract

This article discusses the integration of the apparel industry into vocational and higher education systems in Ukraine. It analyses the main trends in co-operation between educational establishments and apparel industry enterprises, and determines the key areas in which educational programmes should be adapted to meet modern labour market requirements. It also outlines the advantages of dual education, industrial practices and internships as effective mechanisms for training industry professionals. It is imperative to emphasise the necessity to modernise the material and technical facilities of educational institutions. This can be achieved by attracting grant programmes, international financing, and partnerships with businesses. The role of enterprises in the development of educational initiatives is substantiated, in particular by investing in the development of laboratories, providing equipment, and conducting co-operative research. The research considers the current state of the apparel industry and its main challenges. These include a shortage of skilled personnel, educational programmes that do not meet the current requirements of the labour market, and low motivation among young people to pursue careers in this field. The authors propose ways to reform sectoral education, such as updating training laboratories, providing teaching staff with regular internships at production facilities, integrating digital technologies into the educational process and fostering public-private partnerships. This article analyses the impact of the Russian–Ukrainian war on training specialists for the fashion industry. It considers human resources challenges, the adaptation of educational programmes and the role of cultural diplomacy in supporting the industry. The paper also draws attention to the lack of mechanisms for state and business co-financing of education. This factor, in turn, complicates the training of highly qualified specialists. The authors suggest possible solutions to this problem, such as introducing tax incentives, developing dual education and attracting international support. Particular attention is also given to analysing the impact of the Russian-Ukrainian war on training fashion industry specialists, the co-operation mechanisms between educational institutions and apparel industry enterprises, the introduction of digital technologies, the development of dual education and the expansion of public-private partnerships. This research aims to identify effective ways to improve interaction between the apparel industry and vocational and higher education in Ukraine. It will also study the main challenges facing the industry and develop recommendations for modernising educational programmes to meet current labour market requirements. Methodology. The specifics of the research determined its methodological principles. The study employed methods such as analysis, synthesis and analogy, as well as comparative, historical and systematic approaches. This methodological background enabled changes in the training of fashion industry professionals in Ukraine to be compared under the impact of the Russian–Ukrainian war, while taking into account the historical, socio-cultural, and economic contexts. The surveys conducted as part of this study are based on data from professional associations, educational institutions, business representatives, and industry experts. Results. The results obtained can inform strategic decisions regarding the development of sectoral education, enhance interaction mechanisms between educational institutions and the production sector, and inform policy to support the fashion industry during wartime. Practical impact. The key challenges caused by the outflow of personnel abroad are identified, and the prospects for reforming the educational system to adapt to the new situation are outlined. The main approaches to updating professional training are described, which could facilitate the restoration and development of the Ukrainian fashion industry, even during wartime. The scientific novelty of the research lies in a comprehensive analysis of approaches to the qualitative interaction of the apparel industry and the system of vocational and higher education in Ukraine in the context of modern economic and socio-cultural challenges. For the first time ever: the present study identifies and systematises the main trends in co-operation between educational institutions and apparel industry enterprises that contribute to effective personnel training in accordance with the needs of the labour market; the paper analyses the impact of the Russian-Ukrainian war on the training of specialists for the apparel industry, with particular reference to the challenges experienced by personnel, the need for adaptation of educational programmes, and the role of cultural diplomacy in supporting the industry.