VET experts from Bulgaria, Greece, North Macedonia, and Romania met to discuss how training institutions and businesses can work together more effectively. The meeting focused on identifying practical ways to strengthen these partnerships.
One of the biggest challenges raised was communication mechanisms and their implementation between vocational training institutions and companies. While some countries have formal agreements in place, misunderstandings and mismatched expectations often create obstacles. In other cases, partnerships rely too much on personal relationships, making them fragile and difficult to sustain. Participants shared examples from their own countries and discussed possible solutions, including clearer roles, better coordination mechanisms, and stronger support for business mentors.
Another key issue was the role of policies and regulations in either helping or hindering business involvement in work-based learning. Some experts pointed out that complicated procedures discourage companies from participating, while others noted that businesses often lack incentives to engage in apprenticeship programs. There was a shared understanding that policies should be more flexible and responsive to the needs of both businesses and learners.
This discussion is an important step toward building stronger, more sustainable partnerships between vocational education and the world of work. Insights from the session will contribute to ongoing research within the project, helping shape recommendations that make cooperation between businesses and training providers more effective across the Balkans.
