In a time of rapid changes in the labour market, knowledge gained in classrooms alone is no longer enough. Through practical training in companies across Bosnia and Herzegovina, students acquire real-world experience, professional skills, and – most importantly – the support of mentors who guide, motivate, and prepare them for the future.
The #LearningFromTheBest campaign, implemented by GIZ within the SEDEP programme funded by the European Union, the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany, and the Government of Switzerland (www.digigreen.ba), shares the stories of mentors from all parts of the country with the goal of highlighting their role in education and the professional development of young people through collaboration with companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mentors are not only providers of knowledge – they are role models, leaders, and a bridge between school and the real world of work.
Investing in Mentorship Means Investing in the Future
Companies that invest in mentorship build stronger workplace culture, develop leaders, and increase motivation among employees. A mentor can be any professional who has received pedagogical-didactic training – such training is usually conducted by chambers of commerce and lasts from three to five days.
“Mentorship is a valuable process through which practical training mentors transfer their knowledge and experience to students. It shapes and directs students toward the future so they can face challenges with confidence,”
says Elmin Škulj, a practical training mentor at Centrotrans d.d. Sarajevo.
There is no unified approach to mentor training in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but an increasing number of cantons and entities recognize the importance of making mentorship a legal obligation.
“It’s very important that students receive knowledge from trained practical training mentors. Mentorship changes work culture by encouraging team spirit, knowledge sharing, and professional development,”
emphasizes Adnan Halilović, a mentor at Prevent Components d.o.o. Goražde.
Investing in People Means Investing in the Future
According to unofficial data, over 800 registered mentors have been trained in BiH since 2017 through training provided by GIZ and its partners.
“The mentors trained by GIZ in recent years come from the Bosnian-Podrinje Canton, Tuzla Canton, Una-Sana Canton, Zenica-Doboj Canton, Sarajevo Canton, and Republika Srpska. Most of them work in the manufacturing sector – such as mechanical engineering, metal processing, and wood industry – but a significant number are also active in service sectors such as hospitality, tourism, hairdressing, cosmetology, electrical engineering, and banking. We believe the actual number of mentors is even higher, considering that we do not have access to all relevant data from all parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” says Majda Tolić, Advisor for Vocational Education and Labour Market at GIZ.
“Real change can only come from properly educated mentors. Mentorship is not just teaching – it’s about inspiring, empowering, and opening doors to future opportunities,” says Boris Šašić, master trainer.
Mentors as Role Models and Drivers of Change
Through years of working with young people, practical training mentors have helped numerous students gain skills sought in the labor market – as well as valuable life experiences. They don’t just transfer knowledge – they shape attitudes, work habits, and self-confidence in future professionals.
In fast-changing times, young people need more than knowledge – they need role models. Mentors help them understand the real world of work, overcome uncertainties, and learn how to behave in professional environments.
“From my mentor, I learned how to build work habits and complete tasks independently. One day, I’d like to become a mentor myself,” says Muradif Salman, a student from Sarajevo.
“My mentor helped me develop communication with guests and understand how to behave at the reception,” adds Amar Kapetanović, a hospitality school student.
“Practical training helped me overcome fear, and today, I’m a colleague to my mentor,” says Haris Jusić from Bihać.
“Thanks to mentorship, I decided to enroll at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering,” says Sonja Kačavenda from Gradiška.
Mentorship is more than training – it is an investment in the future of coming generations.
Mentorship – Learning in Both Directions
Mentorship is not a one-way street. While sharing knowledge and experience, mentors also learn from their students – about new ideas, approaches, and challenges.
“We need to communicate well and respect each other. As a practical training mentor, I try not to be overly strict with students – I strive to build a friendly relationship,” explains Ostoja Sladojević, a mentor at PMP Jelšingrad-FMG a.d. Gradiška.
“Every day and every student is a new challenge. I see myself in them. I’m happy I can provide them what I didn’t have access to,” adds Danijel Vasić, a mentor from TIKT Manufaktura.
“A mentor is a friend and an inspiration to students, helping them succeed in the profession they are studying for,” concludes Tea Lubura-Nuhanović, a mentor at Hotel Courtyard By Marriott Sarajevo.
Mentorship builds bridges between generations, experiences, and perspectives. It is an investment in people – and people are the greatest value of any team.
Follow the #LearningFromTheBest campaign and watch the video stories from 12 companies in the DigiGreen Library – discover the stories of mentors from companies across Bosnia and Herzegovina. Each story is different, but they all share the same goal: empowering young people through knowledge and example.
