VET IN CROATIA (recent developments and activities /2011.) Darko Belovic, senior expert advisor for TVET schools 11th July, 2011 Chisinau, Moldova

MAIN FACTS ABOUT CROATIA Population -Population (2011.) Territory km² Population density – 81/km² Croatia finished EU negotiations on 30th June Full EU membership on 1st July (28th EU State)Full EU membership on 1st July (28th EU State)

VET SCHOOLS 4 AND 5 YEARS PROGRAMS 1-2 YEAR(S) PROGRAMS PRIMARY EDUCATION – 8 YEARS GYMNASIUMS (4 YEARS ) State MaturaState Matura + Final Exam Final Exam Lower Secondary School LABOUR MARKET University study ADULT EDUCATION Professional study Final Exam Secondary School 3 YEARS PROGRAMS Secondary School

SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN CROATIA Pupils in the year 2010./2011. in Secondary schools – Pupils in the year 2010./2011. in Secondary schools – Grammar schoolsGrammar schools (Gymnasiums) – (28,97%) Art schools – (2,86%) VET schools – (68.17%)

BRIEF OVERVIEW TO PAST/LAST YEARS Before 90’s- Agency with VET DepartmentBefore 90’s- Agency with VET Department in the Ministry - VET Department (now and before)in the Ministry - VET Department (now and before) VET Agency of Croatia – founded in (Government)VET Agency of Croatia – founded in (Government) Temporary sector skills councils (CARDS)Temporary sector skills councils (CARDS) The decision of Founding the educational sectors (13 sectors) – 2007.The decision of Founding the educational sectors (13 sectors) – The Strategy of development the VET in Croatia – 2013.The Strategy of development the VET in Croatia – 2013.

VET Act – entered into force March 2009.VET Act – entered into force March National sectors council founded 2009.National sectors council founded Sector skills councils founded and started with workSector skills councils founded and started with work (13 sectors – each council ca. 20 persons)

SECTOR SKILLS COUNCILS Harmonising the needs of the labour market and VET schools Members: representatives of companies, chambers, trade unions, schools – all stakeholders Promote and analyse the sector Give the opinion on standard of occupation and standard of qualification Decide about the needs for new qualifications, also the needs for refreshing the old ones

WHAT’S ON IN VET NOW? Expert workgroups are working and developing standards of occupations, standards of qualification and curriculas VET agency – methodology for developing SO, SQ and CURR Ministry is approving SO, SQ and CURR Deadlines according to VET Act: - 31st December to approve standards of occupations and standards of qualification - 31st December to approve curriculas

THE CROATIAN VET AGENCY NOW VET Agency and Agency for Adult became one in Executive body – IV. Component IPA fund Many projects are running: Strengthening institutional framework for the development of the VET occupational standards/qualifications & curricula Implementation of new curricula (including grant support to VET schools) Vocational Education and Training (VET) Quality Assurance Development Comprehensive strengthening of the capacities of the Agency for Vocational Education and Training

THE CROATIAN VET AGENCY NOW II modernises existing VET curricula develops new and modernises based on VET qualifications, that is competences and learning outcomes, which reflect the needs of labour market and further education lot of attention to the professional development and training of VET teachers, through organisation and implementation of professional exams, implementation of procedures for their promotion, and organisation and implementation of professional trainings

THE STATE MATURA External evaluation Gymnasium – the finishing of secondary education 4 year VET schools – not an obligation/but entrance for higher education (university or professional) Four years of preparation – last year (2009./2010.) it was done for “real” for the first time 2010./2011. – for the second time

THE STATE MATURA II Very good experiences, highes “marks” in public Pupils can apply to Universities online (“from home”) Transparent for all, fair and easy Web – Become a Student

HOW DO WE KNOW THAT WE ARE DOING WELL? The proof that we need qualificationThe proof that we need qualification Don’t forget – we are spending the money of the tax-payersDon’t forget – we are spending the money of the tax-payers We cannot change actuality, we can change the futureWe cannot change actuality, we can change the future How can we know what will market need in 5 years?How can we know what will market need in 5 years? Which is the right way?Which is the right way?

QUO VADIS VET?

THANK YOU!

phone: +385 (1) fax: +385 (1) Donje Svetice 38, Zagreb, CROATIA