Vocational Education and Training Stakeholders
Joint efforts of MOE’s, VET schools, chambers, companies, and other relevant institutions will improve dual organised vet, support the development of a sustainable vet legal framework and increase employability opportunities in BiH.
Key players
Educational authorities
According to the constitutional arrangement, the education sector (including VET) falls under the jurisdiction of the Republika Srpska entity, the ten cantons of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Brčko District of BiH. As a result, there are twelve education systems in BiH. Each of these administrative units has its own education laws, education budget, and ministry of education responsible for formulating education policies, as well as all other rights and obligations arising from the mandate of the education authorities in charge of organizing and implementing education within their respective jurisdictions. Consequently, most responsibilities within the secondary vocational education and training sector lie at the level of these twelve administrative units.
Pedagogical institutes at the entity and cantonal levels play a key role in developing curricula, methodologies, and teaching plans. They provide professional support to educational institutions, organize training for teachers, and conduct evaluations of education quality.
Secondary Vocational Education and Training Schools
Secondary vocational education and training (VET) schools are central institutions in the VET system. They offer a variety of educational programs covering different sectors, such as technical, craft, medical, economic, information technology, and many others. These schools provide students with theoretical knowledge in classrooms as well as practical experience through mandatory hands-on training in school workshops and with business entities. The role of secondary VET schools is to adapt curricula to labor market needs and ensure that students acquire the skills necessary for easier integration into the job market.
Business entities
Business entities are key partners in dual-organized secondary vocational education and training. Through collaboration with schools, they enable students to acquire practical knowledge and skills in a real work environment. They participate in student evaluation, provide mentors who undergo specialized training for conducting practical lessons, and contribute to the development of curricula and practical training plans within business entities. In this way, business entities not only support the education of future qualified workers but also directly influence the alignment of the education system with labor market needs. Practical training mentors within business entities guide and support students in acquiring hands-on skills during practical lessons, providing instructions and ensuring that tasks are performed according to industry standards. The collaboration between mentors in business entities and practical training coordinators from schools is crucial for the success of the dual-organized education model.
Pedagogical institutes at the entity and cantonal levels play a key role in developing curricula, methodologies, and teaching plans. They provide professional support to educational institutions, organize training for teachers, and conduct evaluations of education quality.
Chambers of economy
Chambers of commerce, as organizations that bring together business entities, act as an integrative link between education and industry. They support businesses in organizing practical training for students in secondary vocational education and training schools, facilitating a stronger connection between the education system and labor market needs. Additionally, they play a crucial role in training mentors for practical lessons within business entities. Chambers of commerce also have a significant role in promoting dual education by encouraging employers to engage in the educational process and highlighting the benefits of this dual-organized education model. Through these activities, they not only support the education system but also contribute to enhancing economic competitiveness, strengthening the link between education and industry, and improving youth employability in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Other VET stakeholders
We actively support dialogue and the exchange of knowledge and experiences among all relevant stakeholders to ensure a cross-sectoral approach to the development of the VET system. This dialogue includes ministries of economy, ministries responsible for labor and social affairs, ministries of finance, ministries in charge of healthcare, tax administrations, employer associations, employment agencies, as well as other key institutions and organizations that directly or indirectly influence the education system and economic development.
The exchange of knowledge and experiences enables the alignment of educational policies with the real needs of the labor market and contributes to informed decision-making at all levels. Through this process, all stakeholders gain insight into the challenges and opportunities related to secondary vocational education and training and work together to implement solutions that will ultimately improve workforce qualifications and increase economic competitiveness.
The program is jointly financed by:
