The Center for Vocational Education and Training, from August 17th to 22nd, 2023 held a series of eighteen workshops where professors from secondary vocational schools and company employers prepared a “Program and Plan for Work-based Learning.” These programs apply to second- and third-year students in classes with an increased number of practical education lessons, known as dual education.

“Through joint planning of the work-based learning, employers train students according to the competencies required for the specific sector, while also creating a workforce that is ready to engage in work processes after completing the formal education. On the other hand, schools have the opportunity to underpin theoretical knowledge with practical training in a real workplace, thereby promoting the quality and attractiveness of vocational education”, say from the Center for Vocational Education and Training.

The workshops were attended by 324 representatives from 52 secondary vocational schools and 3 Regional Vocational Education and Training Centers, as well as teachers of vocational subjects, work-based learning coordinators, and mentors from companies that cooperate with the schools for practical education. Some participants were attending such workshops for the first time, while others had already attended similar workshops last year and reported feeling ready to independently plan activities for implementing practical education.

The realization of these workshops was supported by the project “Education for Employment in North Macedonia”- (E4E@mk), which is supported by the Swiss government and implemented by the association “Helvetas.” The project supports vocational education reforms in the country and aims to contribute to more gainful employment of the young people in a socially inclusive manner.