Today at Hotel Zenica, the two-day conference “The Future of Vocational Education and Training: Joint Responsibility” commenced, with active participation from the TVET GOPA project team, led by Project Manager Mrs. Efka Heder.
The conference is organized by the Ministry of Civil Affairs of BiH with the support of international partners, bringing together representatives from ministries, chambers of commerce, educational institutions, the business community, and international organizations. The aim of the conference is to exchange experiences and explore ways to improve the quality and relevance of vocational education and training (VET) in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
One of the key events on the first day was the panel discussion “The Voice of the Business Community in Shaping the Future of Vocational Education,” moderated by Mr. Amir Sarajlić, an expert in public-private dialogue. The panel brought together representatives from industry, ministries, and international organizations, who discussed intersectoral cooperation, challenges and opportunities in developing skills required by the labor market, and the ways in which the business community can actively contribute to shaping relevant curricula and modern vocational education. Special attention was given to the cost-benefit analysis of investment in vocational education and training, with a focus on understanding the economic effects and potential benefits for all stakeholders. The discussion provided a platform for exchanging experiences and concrete proposals to further support the development of public-private partnerships in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The conference also highlighted the important role of artificial intelligence (AI) in transforming vocational education, particularly through the development of digital competencies. Additionally, the concept and role of centers of excellence in vocational education and training were presented, envisioned as innovative platforms for skills development, cooperation between educational institutions and industry, and the integration of modern technologies into the educational process.
The TVET GOPA project team actively contributed to the discussions and exchange of experiences in the field of vocational education and training, which is key to shaping a modern education system in BiH. The conference will continue tomorrow, with a focus on working in thematic groups and defining key priorities for the further development of vocational education.
