Transforming Ukrainian Agricultural Education for the Digital Era

Transforming Ukrainian Agricultural
Education for the Digital Era (TUADIG) is a new Erasmus+ Capacity Building in
VET project that modernises agricultural vocational education in Ukraine
through digital, simulation-based and immersive learning solutions.

Running for three years, TUADIG brings
together European and Ukrainian VET providers, higher education institutions
and agricultural stakeholders to strengthen teacher competences and improve
students' employability in a rapidly changing sector.

Why TUADIG matters?

Agriculture is a key pillar of Ukraine's economy, yet VET institutions are challenged by war-damaged infrastructure, outdated curricula and limited access to modern digital learning tools. TUADIG responds by aligning agricultural VET with Europe's green and digital transition, supporting Ukraine's integration into European vocational and labour markets.

The project directly addresses skills gaps in areas such as precision agriculture, drone technology and data-driven farming, helping VET graduates meet current and future labour market demands. 

Main goals and activities

TUADIG focuses on building the digital and pedagogical capacity of VET teachers while giving students access to safe, practice-oriented learning environments. Key objectives are to: 

• Develop a competence-based digital pedagogy course for VET teachers, with a strong emphasis on simulation-based learning and inclusive, student-centred methods. 
• Introduce tractor and drone simulators for practical training, enabling safe, cost-effective skill development in operating and maintaining modern agricultural machinery. 
• Create immersive XR (extended reality) learning environments using tools such as ThingLink, including virtual tours and interactive 3D scenarios tailored to agricultural education. 
• Strengthen cooperation between VET institutions and employers to ensure training content matches real workplace needs and supports the green and digital transitions. 

Through a train-the-trainer model and blended learning, the project aims to train at least 170 teachers, reach more than 500 students and support over 20 institutions in integrating digital and immersive learning into their regular practice. 

Who is involved?

The project is coordinated by Ylä-Savo Municipal Federation of Education (YSAO, Finland), with a core consortium of European and Ukrainian partners. 

European partners:

• YSAO – Ylä-Savo Municipal Federation of Education (FI): overall coordination, simulation pedagogy and XR learning environments.[1]
• JAMK University of Applied Sciences (FI): lead for digital pedagogy and simulation-based teacher training, and open badges.  
• Järva County Vocational College (Järvamaa Rakenduslik Kolledž) (EE): lead for tractor and drone simulation training and hands-on practice. 
• Vidzeme Technology and Design Vocational School, VTDT (LV): lead for communication, dissemination and impact. 

Ukrainian partners include State Educational Institution 'Berdychiv Higher Vocational School', VPU ?24, SEI 'Lisovodsky PAL' and MEI 'ACTRW' DRC, which adapt and pilot the solutions in real VET settings and lead national dissemination. Associated agricultural companies and regional education authorities support work-based learning, provide feedback and help mainstream successful practices.

Contact information:

Minna Koskinen, specialist
Jamk University of Applied Sciences, School of Professional Teacher Education
firstname.lastname@jamk.fi