Integration of safety and occupational health and safety competencies into the system of patriotic education of students

The purpose of the study was to assess the role of educational and extracurricular activities in shaping students’ patriotic consciousness and active civic position within the context of educational and professional training and the development of civic and social competencies. The research methodology was based on documentary, analytical, and comparative approaches and included a systematic analysis of university curricula and programmes, modelling scenarios for the formation of patriotic values, as well as evaluating the effectiveness of integrating innovative methods, digital platforms, and projects aimed at developing students’ civic consciousness. It was established that patriotic education of youth in Ukraine is implemented as a purposeful pedagogical process that combines moral, ethical, cultural, social, and legal components, contributing to the formation of civic consciousness, patriotic identity, state-oriented attitudes, and social activity among students. At the preschool and school levels, the main forms of implementation include Ukrainian language celebrations, Vyshyvanka Day, the creation of collages, school-based projects, and participation in patriotic song competitions, which enhance emotional attachment to national culture. At the university level, patriotic education is carried out through the integration of national values into students’ professional training, participation in student self-governance, and involvement in scientific and patriotic projects, thereby fostering civic identity and an active social position. Disciplines related to occupational health and safety contribute to the acquisition of knowledge about the history of civil protection, national defence, and moral and ethical principles, while practical classes, simulations, and role-playing activities develop critical thinking, responsibility, and readiness for volunteer engagement. It was found that within the educational process, humanitarian and IT specialisations included 68 hours of instruction, technical specialisations included 72 hours, and for first-year students, 36 hours of integrated training were organised, aimed at fostering an active civic position and a sense of national belonging. The study also determined that the integration of innovative teaching methods, digital platforms, project-based activities, case studies, and mentoring enhances the effectiveness of forming patriotic values and civic consciousness by ensuring a balanced combination of students’ intellectual, emotional, and practical development