Introduction. In the context of this article, we have analyzed approaches to the problem of the formation of flexible skills of college students necessary for the qualitative development of professional potential in various fields of activity and for successful employment, and the availability of which is now increasingly required by employers.

Materials and methods. The research material was various scientific sources devoted to the study of the formation of flexible skills of students of secondary vocational organizations. The analysis of scientific and methodological literature, descriptive and distributive methods used in writing this article are the main tools of analysis.

Results. The formation of soft (flexible) skills was considered by various scientists, each of whom interpreted this concept according to his scientific activity and field of development. Note that the study of the formation of soft skills has been conducted for more than 50 years. Olga Bikkulova, one of the scientists engaged in research in the development of flexible skills, notes that the concepts of hard and soft skills originated in the field of military affairs. According to the author, "In 1959, the US Army began to develop a scientifically based approach to the training of military personnel. Flexible skills tend to be difficult to observe, quantify, and measure. Some of them are communication skills, critical and structured thinking, problem solving skills, creativity, teamwork, negotiation skills, self-management, time management, conflict management and many others. The problem of the formation of soft (flexible) skills is most actively being developed in the system of secondary vocational education, due to the growing popularity of professional skill championships. For the successful development of flexible skills, it is possible to use the restructuring of the educational process, "communication laboratories, project offices, research groups of teachers, the use of a network schedule, conducting various winter and summer schools, etc." As a result of an empirical study, it was revealed that most students and teachers do not have thorough knowledge of flexible skills, do not know the definition of the concept, experience certain difficulties in choosing forms and methods of teaching, do not own educational and methodological support for conducting classes on the formation of soft skills.

Discussion. The analyzed approaches to the problem of the formation of flexible skills of college students revealed an urgent need for the formation of soft skills by adding educational modules to the context of educational programs of educational organizations, and by conducting training seminars, master classes, trainings. Scientists unanimously assert that the development of supra-professional skills is the key to the successful formation of a competent professional in the labor market.

Conclusion. In this article, we found out that the formation of flexible skills began more than 50 years ago and has now gained huge popularity. The analysis of the problem of the formation of soft skills is carried out by many scientists who unanimously concluded that this topic has not been sufficiently studied, and many students and teachers are simply not aware of the concept, functions and types of soft skills, as well as how to form them. Some scientists offer several approaches to solving this problem. One of which is to conduct trainings, practical classes as an additional education, and the possible inclusion of relevant modules and disciplines in the curriculum.

Various interpretations of the definition of flexible skills are considered;

Various approaches to studying the problem of soft skills formation are analyzed in detail;

Their importance for students of secondary vocational educational institutions has been substantiated.