תפקידה של מערכת ההשכלה הגבוהה בישראל: מקידום ערכי מחקר והוראה לתמיכה בהכשרה מקצועית ובשוק העבודה

The role of academia in vocational training has become a significant issue in recent years, particularly due to the rapid changes in the labor market and the growing demand for continuous skill development. This study explores the importance of incorporating practical training into the curricula of higher education institutions in Israel, focusing on adapting students' skills to the needs of the labor market. The findings show an increasing trend of integrating practical training in academic programs, supported by the Council for Higher Education’s policy, which promotes strong academia-industry collaboration and adapts curricula to changing labor market needs. The study highlights the contribution of the Rothschild Foundation, which works to reduce social gaps and provide access to higher education for minority populations, thus offering opportunities for diverse young people to engage academically and succeed in their careers. It emphasizes the need for stronger collaborations between academia and industry, as well as the development of study tracks that combine theoretical and practical skills. Additionally, the study discusses the tension between those advocating for traditional academic values and those pushing for academia to adapt to labor market demands. It offers directions for achieving a balance between maintaining academic standards and meeting the evolving needs of the job market. The study significantly contributes to the academic discourse on higher education’s changing role in the 21st century, particularly in Israel, and provides an updated view of the country’s higher education policy regarding vocational training.