Context
Political upheaval and the global economic crisis have led to high unemployment in Serbia. The unemployment rate currently stands at around 25 per cent, with young people being disproportionately affected. Around 51 per cent of all young people have no job or training prospects. Despite this situation, many technical positions remain unfilled because employers cannot find qualified staff.
The three-year technical vocational training programmes currently on offer are theoretical and do not meet industrial demand for qualified skilled labour. While companies criticise the insufficient practical knowledge of school leavers, they offer very few training opportunities themselves.
As a result of poor job prospects, these three-year training programmes are relatively unappealing to young people and their parents. Training needs to be reformed to reflect actual requirements, with the involvement of all stakeholders in the training process, but first and foremost the companies, which require assistance in building their own training capacities.
Objective
The prerequisites for cooperative technical vocational training focusing on market requirements are met.
Approach
Aimed at reforming vocational education, the project focuses on introducing a cooperative training system that draws on elements of the dual education model. In particular, the proportion of training activities conducted at companies is being increased and improved to enhance the employment prospects of school leavers and give employers direct access to qualified staff.
As part of the development and implementation of the new training model, the project initiates and facilitates dialogue between key actors. The project partner, the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, oversees the process. Roles and responsibilities are defined jointly and cooperation agreements are also developed jointly.
The content of three selected technical vocational training programmes is being updated to increase the percentage of practical experience at training companies. To implement the updated teaching and learning content, training is being provided for teachers, headmasters and training instructors at companies.
Career guidance programmes, marketing measures and development partnerships with the private sector aim to raise awareness of the new model for cooperative technical vocational training and stimulate interest among young people and their parents. Companies are also being encouraged to participate in the cooperative training system.
Results achieved so far
• Training programmes with high employment potential have been identified and training profiles consolidated and updated. Reformed training programmes for locksmith-welders, electricians and industrial mechanics are being rolled out from September 2014.
• Eight vocational schools have been selected for the implementation of new training programmes.
• Development partnerships have been established with the private sector. The project is working closely with Bosch, Siemens and two local companies to develop a dual vocational training system that meets market requirements.
• A national conference on development opportunities for vocational training was initiated. It proved so successful that the conference now takes place on a regular basis every two years. The aim is to improve the social status of vocational training.
• Extensive marketing measures have been implemented to promote vocational training. These are mainly aimed at prospective apprentices, their parents and the companies that provide training, with schools, youth offices and chambers of industry and commerce acting as intermediaries.