Improvement and redesign of educational programs for training specialists for industry: case of bachelor’s program in metallurgy

Purpose. The purpose of the study was to substantiate the possibility of improving the educational program for training bachelors in metallurgy through the analysis of global trends in the development of the metallurgical industry and the appropriate adaptation of the educational program components content in agreement with representatives of the industry employers. Results. The directions of metallurgy development in the world and in Ukraine, which are determined by the refusal to use fossil fuels and the transition to alternative energy sources in order to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, are considered. It is demonstrated that Ukraine’s European integration course and support for the EU climate policy require urgent technical re-equipment of metallurgical enterprises, the introduction of resource-saving technologies with minimal GHG emissions, the transition to the production of iron and steel using hydrogen, etc. It is established that the specified restructuring of the industry requires adjustment of the content of specialists training for the relevant industries. It is shown that the corresponding adjustment of the educational program is most effective under the condition of close cooperation with representatives of the industry-employers. Scientific novelty. Elements of a methodology for monitoring and adjusting the educational program for training specialists in higher education are proposed. The proposed approach is based on a combination of an analysis of the development trends of the relevant industry with the wishes of industry representatives (employers) regarding the list, content, and scope of components of the relevant educational program. Practical value. The proposed approach can be applied to improve any educational programs for training specialists for various industries and allows for effective monitoring in order to improve the quality of specialist training and maximise satisfaction of the employers and the labor market requirements.