Croatian Chamber of Trades and Crafts APPRENTICESHIP AS A SUCCESSFUL TRADITION AND AN INNOVATION IN CROATIAN EDUCATION SYSTEM Mr.sc. Olga Lui Mirela Franović, prof.

INTRODUCTION Croatian Chamber of Trades and Crafts  association of tradesmen and craftsmen established over 150 years ago  represents the interests of tradesmen and craftsmen  provides advisory services to its members and potential members  has a public authority in the field of education

EDUCATION REGULATED BY TRADES AND CRAFTS LAW Education for trades and crafts is regulated by the Trades and Crafts Law The Trades and Crafts Law integrates the tradition in this field of education and the new developments in EU education policies

EDUCATION REGULATED BY TRADES AND CRAFTS LAW Partnership between work and education (shared responsibility for learning outcomes): Croatian Chamber of Trades and Crafts, Ministry of Economy, Labour and Entrepreneurship and Ministry of Education and Sport Influence of partners on the implementation of training programs (theory – in schools; the largest part of practice – in trades and crafts businesses)

EDUCATION REGULATED BY TRADES AND CRAFTS LAW Apprenticeship contract - regulates the responsibilities of tradesmen/craftsmen in the implementation of practical training programs Licensing of trades/crafts businesses - practical training providers: external assessment of conditions

EDUCATION REGULATED BY TRADES AND CRAFTS LAW Influence of Chambers of Trades and Crafts on establishing enrolment rates for trades and crafts’ occupations (Croatian Chamber of Trades and Crafts and regional Chambers of Trades and Crafts) External assessment of competences at secondary school level and LLL level (examination boards for Journeyman, Master Craftsman and Vocational Competence Exams) and issuing certificates for these types of qualifications

EDUCATION REGULATED BY TRADES AND CRAFTS LAW To start and manage a trade/craft business a certain level of qualifications is required (regulated professions) Acquiring qualifications by recognition of informal learning – recognition of practical experience without prior formal learning through examinations Tradesmen and craftsmen’s participation in the practical part of education (practical experience and knowledge of trainers - master craftsmen, means of work, payment of apprentices)

STUDIES In the framework of foreign projects different studies on the characteristics of vocational education and training oriented towards labour market were conducted. The GTZ project main goal is defined as „The vocational education and training offers comply with the needs of small and medium sized enterprises“.

STUDIES The goal of evaluation studies:  to describe the state of education and training for trades and crafts, with the stress on practical implementation  to give basic recommendations for the improvement of education, especially for the introduction of new qualifications needed in labour market (automechatronic and water, gas, heating and air fitter)

AUTOMECHANICAUTOELECTRIC COMPARISON OF TRADITIONAL AND NEW PROGRAMS IN STRUCTURE AND CONTENT AUTOMECHATRONIC

HEATING AND AIR FITTER WATER FITTER GAS FITTER WATER, GAS, HEATING AND AIR FITTER COMPARISON OF TRADITIONAL AND NEW PROGRAMS IN STRUCTURE AND CONTENT

METHODICAL APPROACH analysis and evaluation of the documents available at Croatian Chamber of Trades and Crafts discussions and “round tables“ with the representatives of ministries and headmasters of VET schools analysis of regulations (laws and bylaws)

METHODICAL APPROACH analysis of new educational plans and programs (automechatronic and water, gas, heating and air fitter) and identifying the advantages and disadvantages in relation to the existing programs as well as the influence of learning outcomes on the development of qualifications oriented towards labour market

METHODICAL APPROACH survey of 3 different target groups in 3 Croatian towns:  theory and practice teachers in four VET schools  apprentices in 11 different occupations  15 tradesmen/craftsmen who provide apprenticeship training

METHODICAL APPROACH interviews with representatives of Chambers of Trades and Crafts, Employment Agencies and competent agencies (VET Agency, Agency for Adult Education) examining the quality of cooperation between different stakeholders in the apprenticeship process

METHODICAL APPROACH the research had two phases (Phase I: and Phase II ) the result: study „Vocational education and training oriented towards labour market“

RESULTS Recommendations for future development:  systematic harmonisation of national education system for trades and crafts’ occupations with the European educational and occupational standards (NQF-EQF),  strengthening the role of trade and crafts’ businesses as practical training providers; reducing the role of theory (VET schools)  determination of an appropriate relation between general and practical subject matter - general subject matter should be more oriented towards the occupation

RESULTS Recommendations for future development:  improving cooperation between ministries, agencies, chambers, trade and crafts’ businesses and VET schools; the goal is a better adjustment of education to labour market needs and a better acknowledgement of trade and craft occupations in the society  developing the system of further education, with the aim of strengthening LLL and development of professional career  strengthening social competencies of individuals in VET (realisation of their goals, active civil society awareness, involvement in civil events and capability of finding their place in labour market)

NECESSARY ACTIVITIES placing a larger part of education in the real working environment establishing competence centres harmonising the Apprenticeship Contract with the Employment Contract improving and interrelating the standards of practical and theoretical knowledge, securing the quality of education

NECESSARY ACTIVITIES improving teacher quality and teaching methods - a new orientation in planning, organisation and implementation - continuous training of teachers and master craftsmen – trainers increasing the interest of employers for the young generation encouraging schools to adapt to the needs of labour market more quickly

Thank you for your attention ! The studies are available at