Structural Features and Dynamic Trends of Russian TVET: an overview from the CERE Observatory
At the first international seminar 'Russian TVET: Contexts, Reforms, and Labour Market Linkages' , more than 50 researchers from around the world took part in a discussion of the TVET system in Russia. Prof. Vera Maltseva, Director of the Center for Skills Development and Vocational Education, gave a presentation at the seminar, which was moderated by Stephanie Allais, Research Chair in Skills Development at Wits University.
During the session, Prof. Maltseva delved into the specifics of Russian TVET, highlighting its key characteristics. These include major demographic shifts affecting enrolment, the persistent qualification gap, and the interplay between expanding aspirations for higher education and the growing demand for mid-skilled workers. Another important point concerned the multi-layered governance of Russian TVET, where state, regional, and industry actors all play a role in shaping curricula and ensuring quality.
The session began with a focus on demographics and their impact on changes in the education system. Since the mid-2010s, the number of TVET students has grown faster than the overall population, indicating a genuine demand for vocational education that goes beyond demographic necessity. In the 2030s, a short-term expansion of this cohort is expected, followed by a decline, which will challenge both TVET and higher education systems to adapt swiftly to the changing circumstances of young people.
Then, turning to the labour market and the structure of qualifications, Prov. Vera Maltseva noted that the Russian VET system is characterised by both a generally high level of education and persistent structural mismatches in workforce qualifications. Most employed Russians hold vocational rather than academic credentials and work in low- or medium-skilled occupations. This presents the state with the challenge of aligning the supply of skills with the evolving needs of the labour market.
Another important issue concerns management and financing mechanisms. In Russia, state support remains predominant, while employers play only a limited role. For instance, practical training often accounts for less than half of total programme time, except in purely practice-oriented courses. Therefore, increasing employer participation and improving the effectiveness of training remain key priorities to support smoother school-to-work transitions.
Ultimately, Prof. Maltseva argued that Russian VET is entering a new era of policy development, shaped by demographic shifts, changing labour market demands, and evolving educational requirements. According to her, genuine reform in vocational education depends on finding the right balance between centralisation and flexibility, aligning young people’s aspirations with labour market realities, and fostering meaningful cooperation between public and private sectors.
The seminar marked the beginning of CERE's broader effort to bring together expert voices and data-rich perspectives on how education systems evolve in emerging economies. The full seminar recording is now available to watch and the analytical note is available to read.