One of the Chamber’s successful initiatives is the reform of higher education aimed at systemically regulating practical training, revitalizing vocational studies, and establishing strategic partnerships with the business community to develop high-quality professionals needed by the labor market.

The Chamber’s initiative was supported by the Rectorates of five public and one private university. It emerged from the positive results of implementing dual education in secondary schools, as well as from concerns raised by the business community that graduates entering the labor market lack adequate skills and competencies due to insufficient practical experience.

The amendments to the Law on Higher Education will introduce the following changes:

1.    Study programs leading to qualifications aligned with labor market needs, with the participation of the business community.

2.    Systemic regulation of practical training at an actual workplace in a company, making it mandatory for all students, rather than only those pursuing regulated professions.

3.    Development of topics for seminar papers, bachelor’s and master’s theses, and doctoral dissertations in cooperation with the business sector.

4.    Recognition of short professional study programs as part of higher education programs, giving participants the opportunity to continue their education at the higher-education level.

Statement by Biljana Peeva-Gjurikj, Operations Director for Member Representation and Networking

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