In a time of rapid changes in the labor market, classroom knowledge alone is no longer enough. Through practical training in companies across Bosnia and Herzegovina, students gain real-world experience, professional skills, and – most importantly – the support of mentors who guide, motivate, and prepare them for the future.
The campaign #LearningFromTheBest, implemented by GIZ within the SEDEP program, funded by the European Union, the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany, and the Swiss Government (www.digigreen.ba), shares stories of mentors from all over the country – highlighting their crucial role in education and the professional development of youth through partnerships with companies in BiH. Mentors are not just conveyors of knowledge – they are role models, leaders, and bridges between school and the real world of work.
Investing in Mentorship Is 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.
While there is no unified approach to mentor training in BiH, more and more cantons and entities are recognizing 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 Is 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.
“Mentors trained by GIZ in recent years come from the Bosnian-Podrinje, Tuzla, Una-Sana, Zenica-Doboj, and Sarajevo Cantons, as well as from the Republic of Srpska. Most of them work in the production sector – such as mechanical engineering, metalworking, and wood industry – but a significant number are also involved in service industries like hospitality, tourism, hairdressing, cosmetology, electrical trades, and banking. We believe the actual number of mentors is even higher, given the lack of access to all relevant data from every part of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” says Majda Tolić, advisor for secondary vocational education and labor 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 – A Two-Way Learning Process
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 on the DigiGreen Library.
Discover inspiring mentor stories from companies across BiH. Each story is different, but they all share one goal: to empower young people through knowledge and example.
