LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT TOOLS FOR STUDENTS OF VOCATIONAL HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Abstract

The study examines the development of leadership skills among students in vocational higher education institutions. The research highlights the importance of leadership as an essential management technology and its role in shaping modern professionals. The study aims to assess students’ perception of leadership, the significance of leadership development for their future careers, and the institutional opportunities for fostering leadership qualities in young specialists. A survey was conducted among first-year vocational college students (117 respondents) to determine their understanding of leadership and their experience in leadership roles. The study used quantitative methods, including statistical analysis of survey responses, to evaluate students’ leadership potential, their readiness to assume leadership positions, and the challenges they face in developing leadership competencies. The findings indicate that most students acknowledge the importance of leadership, discipline, and responsibility. However, a significant portion of respondents expressed a lack of confidence in their leadership abilities and difficulties in managing emotions in stressful situations. To address these challenges, the research proposes a set of leadership development tools, including the implementation of the "School of Leaders," which provides extracurricular activities such as guest lectures, training programs, and mentorship initiatives. These activities are designed to help students enhance their leadership skills through experiential learning, peer interaction, and engagement with industry professionals. Furthermore, the study suggests that regular student assessments and feedback mechanisms should be integrated into the educational process to monitor progress and adjust leadership training strategies accordingly. The practical value of this study lies in its recommendations for improving leadership education in vocational colleges. By incorporating leadership training into the curriculum and extracurricular activities, educational institutions can better prepare students for managerial roles and professional challenges. The study emphasizes that fostering leadership qualities among students not only enhances their individual competencies but also contributes to the overall development of educational institutions, making them more competitive and responsive to the demands of the modern labor market. The proposed strategies for leadership development provide a foundation for further research on effective leadership education in vocational training environments.