21 Schools from the Federation of BiH and Brčko District Take an Important Step Forward in Implementing the European EQAVET Quality Assurance Framework for Vocational Education and Training
As part of the “TVET System Strengthening Project in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” implemented by GOPA and funded by the Government of Switzerland, 21 technical and vocational schools from the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Brčko District have begun implementing the European Quality Assurance Reference Framework for Vocational Education and Training (EQAVET).
The participating schools represent 15% of all technical and vocational schools in the areas covered by the project, making these activities an important contribution to strengthening a culture of quality and developing a systematic approach to improving vocational education and training (VET) in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
From self-evaluation to the specific development steps
At the heart of these activities was self-evaluation, a process through which schools assessed their own performance, reviewed existing practices, and identified areas where further improvements could be made.
Based on the self-evaluation findings, schools defined priorities for improvement and further development. This approach enables school development decisions to be based on an assessment of the current situation, identified needs, and clearly established objectives.
It is important to emphasize that the purpose of self-evaluation is not merely to identify areas requiring improvement. It also provides an opportunity for schools to recognize their strengths, build on existing good practices, and work systematically towards improving the quality of education.
EQAVET as a Framework for Continuous Improvement
The European EQAVET framework provides guidelines for systematically ensuring the quality of vocational education and training. It is based on a quality assurance cycle comprising planning, implementation, evaluation, and review, with the aim of continuously improving the performance and outcomes of educational institutions.
Applying this approach helps schools view quality assurance as an ongoing process rather than a one-off activity or an administrative requirement. At the same time, it creates opportunities to strengthen accountability, cooperation, and a culture in which institutional performance is regularly assessed and identified opportunities are translated into concrete improvement measures.
In this way, schools in Bosnia and Herzegovina strengthen their capacities to apply European approaches to quality assurance and lay the groundwork for further alignment with European policies and processes in vocational education and training.
A Practical Tool for Schools: Guide to Implementing the EQAVET Framework
To support schools throughout this process, the project has also developed a Guide to Implementing the EQAVET Framework, designed as a practical resource that provides schools with clear guidance on understanding and applying quality assurance principles.
The Guide takes users through the process step by step, offering practical examples and additional explanations to facilitate understanding of the different stages and their application in the school context.
Its purpose is to provide schools with practical support in organizing and conducting self-evaluation, identifying development priorities, and planning activities to improve quality. In doing so, it strengthens schools’ capacities to carry out these processes systematically and use self-evaluation findings as a basis for further development. Link to download the guide: Download the guide here.
Investing in Quality Education Means Investing in the Future
The outcomes of these activities highlight the importance of providing continuous support to schools in developing and improving their performance. Through self-evaluation, clearly defined development priorities, and practical tools for implementing the EQAVET framework, schools are equipped with a foundation for informed and systematic quality improvement.
The long-term significance of this process lies in creating better learning conditions, developing relevant skills and competencies among students, and strengthening the alignment of vocational education and training with the needs of society and the labour market.
