Enhancing Professional Readiness in Vocational Education Through an Integrative Approach Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

(1) Tashkent Institute of Chemistry and Technology

Abstract
This study investigates the enhancement of students’ professional readiness in vocational education institutions (VEIs) through an integrative approach aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Using a quasi-experimental design, 250 students from five VEIs in Uzbekistan were divided into control and experimental groups to compare traditional and integrative curricula. Results showed that students exposed to integrative modules exhibited significantly higher improvements in theoretical knowledge, practical task performance, student engagement, and employment readiness. The integrative model, grounded in constructivist and interdisciplinary pedagogies, demonstrated strong potential for fostering critical thinking, adaptability, and teamwork, skills aligned with 21st-century labor market demands. These findings suggest that integrative education strategies not only advance individual learner outcomes but also contribute to global education and employment goals, offering valuable insights for curriculum developers, educators, and policymakers aiming to reform vocational training for sustainable development.
Keywords
References
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