Improving quality and attractiveness of vocational education and training (VET) towards labour market needs.

 

The main objective of this project is to improve the quality and flexibility of the vocational education and training (VET) system in Slovakia by responding more effectively to labour market needs. The project will introduce greater flexibility and permeability into the education system by also utilising tools of non-formal education and lifelong learning. This will strengthen the link between vocational education and labour market demands through the adaptation and innovation of existing vocational study programmes, increasing employer participation in the education system and creating new opportunities for upskilling and qualification improvement.

The project’s key contribution lies in transferring experience and best practices from Swiss partners to those areas of vocational education that currently require support or a specific approach. Therefore, the project will focus on strengthening vocational education in the fields of construction, agriculture, and food production. It will also address the introduction of a professional vocational baccalaureate (“professional maturity exam”), a master craftsperson examination, and follow-up higher vocational education. In addition, the project will include activities related to the education of foreign nationals and their effective integration into the labour market.

The implementing body and beneficiary of the project is the State Institute of Vocational Education (ŠIOV). This project builds on the “VET for the Labour Market” project implemented under the first Swiss Contribution. Within the first project, ŠIOV already cooperated with the Swiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training (SFUVET), and this successful Slovak-Swiss cooperation continues within the second Swiss-Slovak Cooperation Programme.

The allocation from the second Swiss Contribution (85%) amounts to 5,750,000 Swiss francs. Together with co-financing from the state budget of the Slovak Republic (15%), the total eligible project expenditure amounts to EUR 7,102,941. The implementation period is planned for 55 months.

The project “Improving the Quality and Attractiveness of Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Line with Labour Market Needs” was approved by the Swiss side on 9 July 2024. The Support Measure Agreement was signed on 16 September 2024.

The Project Agreement for the implementation of the project co-financed by the second Swiss-Slovak Cooperation Programme between the Ministry of Investments, Regional Development and Informatization of the Slovak Republic and the State Institute of Vocational Education was signed on 25 November 2024.

More information about the project and its activities can be found on the project website.

Predefined project