Republic of Serbia

(Duration: 2022-2024)

The role of the vocational practical coordinators in vocational education and training is a multi-faceted one. Basically they are the interface between the schools and the companies, coordinate practical training at the school and at the employer's in both forms of training (dual and full-time school-based), work closely with teachers teaching the practical subjects and instructors in the companies and support them in the implementation of practical training. Their work thus makes an important contribution to the effective use of both learning venues, schools and companies, and thus to the quality of vocational practical training in general.

The aim of the project is to increase the quality of vocational education and training through effective quality development of in-company learning with a focus on the role and tasks of the vocational practical coordinators. Based on the needs assessments of the competent education authorities in all three partner countries four common project priorities have been identified for the regional project:

1. needs-based anchoring of the role and tasks of the vocational practical coordinators
2. standardisation of procedures and processes as an important aspect of quality development in the work of the vocational practical coordinators
3. further development of the vocational practical coordinators' skills in line with the needs
4. quality development and quality assurance through the introduction of QA mechanisms for the vocational practical coordinators' work

Project results:

• On the basis of broad consultation processes standardised processes and procedures in the vocational practical coordinators' work have been defined and piloted at 10 schools of vocational education and training.
• The standardised processes finalised on the basis of the piloting are available to all vocational practical coordinators in a manual/guide together with the tools necessary for implementation.
• The skills of vocational practical coordinators at 200 schools of vocational education and training have been further developed and strengthened through needs-based in-service training.
• Mechanisms for quality development of the vocational practical coordinators' work have been introduced at the 200 schools of vocational education and training.

Direct target groups:

• Headmasters/headmistresses and vocational practical coordinators of 10 pilot schools
• Vocational practical coordinators of 100 schools of vocational education and training
• Ministry of Education
• ZUOV (Institut zur Verbesserung der allgemeinen und beruflichen Bildung)
• Chamber of Commerce

Indirect target groups:

• Headmasters/headmistresses, teachers, vocational practical coordinators and pupils at 329 schools of vocational education and training
• Companies

In order to highlight the importance of both school-based and dual vocational education and training in Serbia a vocational education and training conference will be held in Serbia in 2024 in close cooperation with the Serbian Ministry of Education, the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and the Austrian Chamber of Commerce.

This conference will also provide a platform for different stakeholders to exchange ideas on the latest developments in vocational education and training in Serbia and to connect with each other nationally and internationally.