Reforms of Montenegro's Vocational Education Presented at International Conference

Cyprus, presiding over the Council of the European Union, in cooperation with the European Training Foundation (ETF), organized the International Conference "People, Skills, and Partnerships: Implementing Vocational Education and Training Reforms in the Mediterranean." The conference was attended by Marko Vukašinović, Director General of the Directorate for International Cooperation, European Integration, and EU Funds, and Julka Ostojić, Head of the Directorate for Improving the Quality of Gymnasium and Vocational Education. During the discussion on "Strengthening the Skills Ecosystem and Promoting Excellence in Vocational Education," panelist Marko Vukašinović presented activities underway in Montenegro within the context of the Education Reform Strategy. He highlighted ongoing efforts to improve vocational education offerings, integrate digital, entrepreneurial, and green competencies into all programs, enhance the quality of practical training, and foster cooperation between schools and companies, as well as a new career orientation model and excellence in vocational education. Additionally, he emphasized the continuous and successful international cooperation with the European Training Foundation, the European Investment Bank, and the Austrian Agency for Education and Internationalization, as well as national cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro, employers, and trade unions, as key partners in implementing vocational education. During the discussion, he stated that the response to challenges is clear: modernizing the educational offerings with active partner participation, investing in infrastructure, strengthening career orientation, and bilateral partnerships will contribute to improving the quality of vocational education.