Abstract:

The author deals with the transforming trends in vocational education in Slovakia from both theoretical and practical points of view. It believes that the starting point for changes in vocational education is the implementation of the dual education system in vocational schools to improve the preparedness of graduates for the labor market. Education and training are key factors affecting youth employment. Young people can get the right skills and attitudes in vocational training through quality training, making it easier for them to move from school to work. It is necessary from the position of the state to look for solutions that support the transition of school graduates into the working environment. In vocational education, attention is currently being paid to linking vocational education in schools with a specific employer. We meet the challenges addressed to employers to participate in the development of education, training and lifelong learning systems. More effective cooperation between employers and schools will lead to greater links between teaching in schools and employers' needs, particularly in the area of training their future employees. So it is about using the principle of dual education. Dual education, as a combination of theoretical school education and practical vocational training at employers, is considered as the best solution for youth unemployment across Europe and it is also a major tool for reducing youth unemployment.

In the empirical part of the study, the author presents and interprets the results of the research focused on the contribution of dual education to the preparation of the young generation in the labor market, and points out the weaknesses and strengths of the principles of dual education. The main research method was the questionnaire method. We compiled an anonymous questionnaire for teachers to find out their views and attitudes to dual learning. The main findings of the research are: teachers of vocational schools consider the gradual implementation of dual education in the school system of the Slovak Republic is very beneficial; dual-level graduates have vocational skills at a higher level than non-dual-level school graduates; the adaptation of dual-level graduates into practice is faster and more flexible than the school with no dual-level graduates; the employability of dual school graduates is higher than the employability of graduates who are not included in dual education.

The research results point to the fact that a student trained in a dual education system will be sufficiently qualified for the labor market. His theoretical knowledge and especially practical skills will be linked to the requirements of practice, which increases the employability of a secondary vocational school graduate. That is why we recommend vocational schools in Slovakia to become more involved in the dual education system. However, we realize that the gradual transformation of vocational education into a dual education system at secondary vocational schools is not a short-term issue, but the starting points for changes in the vocational education system in Slovakia are compatible with the approaches in vocational education of the European Union.

Keywords:

Labor market, employability, school system, vocational education, dual education.