strengthening vocational education and training (VET)

SVET supports schools in developing and implementing dual education and training, aligning them with labour market needs.

We aim to strengthen vocational education and training in BiH, which will provide young individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for the future and equip employers with high-quality and competitive workforce.

Within the Component “Strengthening Vocational Education and Training in BiH” we provide support to educational authorities, VET schools, chambers of commerce, business entities, and other key stakeholders in Bosnia and Herzegovina in improving dual-organized secondary vocational education and training (VET).

Development of a Modern Dual-Organized Secondary Vocational Education and Training System

Through continuous support to VET stakeholders, we contribute to building a modern dual-organized secondary vocational education and training system. This process includes a range of activities aimed at improving the quality of education, strengthening the capacities of all relevant stakeholders, and aligning the education system with labor market needs.

Improvement of the VET Legal Framework

Through advisory support, we assist educational and other relevant authorities in BiH in the process of improving the legal framework for dual-organized secondary vocational education and training. This support includes regulatory analysis, identifying existing challenges and obstacles, and developing recommendations for more effective alignment of the education system with labor market needs. Our goal is to help create legal frameworks that foster stronger connections between educational institutions and the business sector, enhance the quality of educational programs, and ensure standardization in the VET field. This process contributes to establishing a stable and sustainable environment for the development of dual education that meets the needs of both students and employers in BiH.

Strengthening Cooperation Between Two Learning Venues

Our goal is to enhance and support cooperation between the two learning venues (educational institutions and businesses) through:

Development and modernization of curricula, with a special focus on green and digital competencies.
Training of mentors within business entities.
Training of master trainers who educate mentors.

Through these activities, we are building a foundation for a stronger connection between the labor market and education, enabling better preparation of young people for their future careers. This cooperation allows students to learn in a real work environment, contributing to the development of key competencies essential for competitiveness in the labor market.

Strengthening the Capacities of VET Stakeholders

Through training programs, we enhance the capacities of mentors within business entities as well as teachers in VET schools to improve the quality of practical training and the teaching process. We continuously work on strengthening the human and institutional capacities of pedagogical institutes, relevant ministries of education, chambers of commerce, and other stakeholders to reinforce or take on key roles in the dual-organized secondary vocational education and training system.

Through advisory support and grants, we assist chambers of commerce in improving their role in dual-organized secondary vocational education and training as an integrative factor between education and industry.

We also strengthen the capacities of teaching staff, representatives of pedagogical institutes, and education ministries in gender-responsive education, with a special focus on secondary vocational education and training schools. By addressing topics such as the importance of gender, gender equality in the classroom, and integrating gender perspectives in vocational education and training, our goal is to create equal opportunities for education and employment. By eliminating gender stereotypes and ensuring equal access to new technologies and professions, we contribute to eradicating discrimination and harmful practices in the education system.

Promotion of Dual-Organized Secondary Vocational Education

The promotion of dual-organized secondary vocational education and training is a key strategy for developing an education system aligned with labor market needs. Dual-organized secondary vocational education and training is a model in which students not only attend school-based lessons but also acquire practical knowledge and skills through work in real-world conditions in collaboration with business entities. This educational system, already recognized in many European countries, has significant potential to improve the quality of education, enhance youth employability, and strengthen the economy.

Green and Digital Transformation in Secondary Vocational Education and Training

Based on analyses of strategic documents and research on industry needs, we are working on the green and digital transformation of secondary vocational education and training. By developing cross-sectoral green and digital competencies and learning outcomes, which will be integrated into curricula, we ensure that secondary vocational education aligns with modern market demands and industry needs.

Our Partners

We collaborate with various stakeholders from the public and private sectors, including relevant ministries, pedagogical institutes, educational institutions, chambers of commerce, business entities, and many other institutions and bodies. This broad network of partners enables us to take a cross-sectoral approach and work together to improve and modernize the secondary vocational education and training system in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Educational Authorities

Secondary Vocational Education and Training Schools

Business Entities

Chambers of Economy

Other VET Stakeholders

Expected Results

Through the implementation of this project, several key results are expected:

For educational authorities: Strengthening human and/or institutional capacities to align educational policies with labor market needs, improving VET regulatory frameworks, and enhancing the exchange of knowledge and experiences among all relevant VET stakeholders.
For VET schools: Improving the quality of dual-organized secondary vocational education and training through advisory support, training for teaching staff and school management, modernization of curricula with a focus on digital and green competencies, and equipping schools.
For chambers of commerce: Enhancing their capacity to take on the role of an integrative factor between education and industry in dual-organized secondary vocational education and training.
For business entities: Ensuring a future qualified workforce, strengthening their role in dual-organized secondary vocational education and training through mentor training, participation in the development of curricula, and planning the implementation of practical training within companies.
For students: Acquiring competencies needed in the labor market, gaining experience in a real work environment, professional development, increased employment opportunities, and greater competitiveness in the labor market.

Skills and proper qualifications gained through dual organised education and training give confidence to the VET female and male graduates and enable them to be competitive in the labour market.