Balkan Work-based Learning Cooperation (WBL)
Governance, Skills, Cooperation with Business, Attractiveness
Mission of the project
We are determined to enhance cooperation in our region to boost work-based learning (WBL) as a tool for mitigating high unemployment rates, elevating the competitiveness of the region, and making it a more appealing destination for foreign investment.
Our consortium is representing four Balkan countries - Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Greece and Romania, but our ambition is in the process of project's implementation to engage more and more VET practitioners and policy-makers.
SKILLS POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS.pdfExpert Working Group Session on Skills Alignment and Apprenticeship Evaluation in the Balkan Region
01.11.2024
The Balkan WBL Cooperation project team is pleased to announce that our second policy recommendations document, dedicated to the thematic area of Skills in Work-Based Learning, is now freely available for download.
This comprehensive report offers an in-depth overview of WBL-related skills across the partner countries involved in the project: Bulgaria, Greece, North Macedonia, and Romania.
Drawing on insights gathered through extensive desk research and surveys conducted by our partner organizations, the report addresses critical challenges identified in the areas of practical training alignment with learning outcomes, the integration of transversal skills and competencies, and the need for enhanced knowledge-sharing among stakeholders.
These recommendations aim to facilitate the continuous improvement of WBL programs, ensuring that learning outcomes are better aligned with the changing demands of both global and local labor markets.
We invite all interested stakeholders to download and review this valuable resource to support the development of robust, skill-centered WBL systems.
Expert Working Group Session on Skills Alignment and Apprenticeship Evaluation in the Balkan Region
01.10.2024
Yesterday, experts from Bulgaria, Greece, North Macedonia, and Romania came together for an insightful online session on skills alignment, the anticipation of future industry needs, and the effective evaluation of apprentices during their practical training.
The discussion centered on the crucial task of embedding transversal, green, and digital skills into apprenticeship frameworks. These skills are vital for shaping a workforce capable of meeting both current industry standards and future demands.
The session highlighted the need for formalized collaboration between vocational education and training institutions and employers. Structured partnerships are essential to ensure that the skills apprentices gain during their training are aligned with national education standards and relevant to industry needs. Furthermore, trend analysis and expert input were recognized as key components in integrating digital, green, and transversal skills into work-based learning curricula.
Participants also emphasized the importance of developing standardized assessment tools that holistically evaluate apprentices, taking into account both technical and transversal competencies. This will ensure that apprentices are not only proficient in specific job-related skills but also prepared to meet the broader challenges of tomorrow’s workplace.
The session produced several significant policy recommendations, bringing us closer to improving the alignment between education and industry across the region and strengthening the governance of apprenticeship programs.
GOVERNANCE POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS.pdfPolicy recommendations GOVERNANCE
12.06.2024
The Balkan WBL team is pleased to announce that its comprehensive policy recommendations document on GOVERNANCE is now freely accessible to the public. The document emphasizes the importance of continuous collaboration, regular updates to training standards, and active involvement of all stakeholders in the WBL ecosystem to ensure its effectiveness and relevance to the labour market.
We encourage all interested stakeholders to download and review this valuable resource.
Expert meeting on GOVERNANCE
17.04.2024
Expert working group convened online to discuss the governance of work-based learning (WBL) in the Balkan region. Key topics included updating WBL occupations to meet industry demands, innovative curriculum design, defining roles within the WBL ecosystem, and securing sustainable funding for these initiatives.
The ongoing dialogue aims to enhance WBL governance and impact the future of vocational training in the region.
Progress update
08.03.2024
The Balkan WBL Cooperation Project held a productive online meeting on March 8th. The project is making significant progress, with ongoing activities aligning well with strategic goals. Collaborative national research efforts are underway to improve work-based learning in the region.
The project's focus on cross-national collaboration could lead to a broader model for regional policy development.
Project logo
11.12.2023
The logo of our project is officially published. It symbolises our focus on work-based learning and our geographical scope, which is the Balkan region.
Blue and green colours symbolise our dedication to democracy, peace and green practices.
Kick-off meeting (Sofia)
09.11.2023
WBL partners met in Sofia to kick-off project implementation. During the meeting each partner provided update on the current status of WBL in their country.
Project manager from Modern Education Foundation provided a framework of concrete tasks and deliverables aspected, communication practices to be adopted and dissemination mechanism for the coming months.
Erasmus+ Grant Agreement Signed
04.10.2023
We are excited to share that we signed officially the grant agreement with Bulgarian National Agency (HRDC).
Thank you for the high assessment of our project concept. We received 84 points out of 100.
It is satisfying to see that the quality of our project design received almost maximum points possible for this criterion.
Questions?
Contact us to get more information on the project