On 18 and 19 March 2026, a partner meeting of the ReferNet network, one of the main European platforms for cooperation and information exchange in the field of vocational education and training, took place in Budapest, Hungary.
The meeting was hosted by the Institute for Educational Development (IKK), Hungary, and coordinated by Cedefop, the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training. The event brought together 19 representatives from different European Union Member States.
The main topics of the meeting included the presentation of the Hungarian vocational education and training system and the innovations being introduced within it, as well as discussions on the implementation of dual education, graduate tracking, social inclusion, and the use of artificial intelligence in vocational education and training.
Bulgaria was represented by Ms Petya Evtimova, Chair of the Management Board of the Foundation for Modern Education and national ReferNet coordinator. She presented the project “Artificial Intelligence in Mentoring”, coordinated by the Bulgarian Industrial Association in partnership with the Foundation for Modern Education. Within the framework of the project, a Handbook on the Use of Artificial Intelligence by Mentors in Dual Education has been developed.
On the second day of the meeting, participants visited Petrik Lajos Technikum, a leading vocational school offering education in the fields of chemistry, environmental sciences, and information technology. The visit provided an opportunity to showcase good practices in delivering high-quality vocational education in a real learning environment.
The visit provided an opportunity to showcase good practices in delivering high-quality vocational education in a real learning environment.Партньорската среща на РеферНет в Будапеща още веднъж подчерта значението на европейското сътрудничество и на иновациите за развитието на професионалното образование и обучение.
