DEVELOPING SOFT SKILLS IN UKRAINIAN HIGHER EDUCATION: CHALLENGES AND ESP INTEGRATION STRATEGIES
DEVELOPING SOFT SKILLS IN UKRAINIAN HIGHER EDUCATION: CHALLENGES AND ESP INTEGRATION STRATEGIES

Summary/Abstract: In response to ongoing socio-economic changes, Ukrainian universities are striving to bridge the gap between quality education and the labour market. As the demand for adaptable and skilled graduates increases, higher educational institutions are integrating soft skills into their curricula to meet labour market needs. The authors provide a descriptive analysis of the definitions and characteristics of soft skills and the ways to develop them in order to raise graduates’ employability within definite higher education contexts. While Ukrainian graduates exhibit strengths in communication and adaptability, there is a notable deficiency in skills such as problem-solving, stress management, and critical thinking. The article focuses on challenges in Ukrainian higher education policies, innovative curricular changes (e.g. portfolio development, collaborative projects) and English for specific purposes (ESP) integration strategies which can be implemented into academic environments at the national level to equip students with these essential skills. The research is theoretically grounded and outlines the conceptual recommendations for modernizing the Ukrainian professional training system according to European standards.

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