Improving the practical competence of students through educational and market cooperation

Abstract

Introduction: the relevance of cooperation between educational institutions and employers in developing students’ practical competence has gained prominence, supported by theories such as the dual education model and competence-based approaches. However, a significant gap remains concerning the practical relevance of education provided to students. Method: this study adopted a qualitative methodology, employing the PRISMA approach for systematic literature review. Literature selection adhered to five strict inclusion criteria, limiting the review to Englishlanguage publications dated between 2019 and 2024. Ultimately, 36 sources were identified and analyzed. Results: the analysis revealed a persistent problem of insufficient practical training relevance within modern education systems. Commonly utilized practices included implementing dual education models and engaging employers in curriculum development and teaching roles. Conversely, the establishment and functioning of career centers were less frequently highlighted in existing literature, despite evidence demonstrating their significant role in developing specific practical skills. Conclusions: the findings underscored the critical importance of collaboration between educational institutions and employers for enhancing students’ practical competence. Dual education and employer involvement emerged as prevalent practices, yet career centers require greater attention due to their potential for skill development. The study was limited by its exclusive focus on English-language sources and the stringent criteria inherent to the PRISMA methodology. Nevertheless, the research contributes valuable insights by systematically addressing the diverse mechanisms through which educational-employer cooperation positively impacts student competence development.