The latest episode of the Business Club podcast with Branko Azeski features Natasa Janevska, M.A., Project Manager at the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia, who works on educational reforms and aligning education with the needs of companies. The discussion covered key topics related to dual education, practical training, and the creation of skilled labor as a crucial factor for the country’s economic development.

Janevska emphasized that the Economic Chamber has significantly increased the number of companies and schools participating in dual education. In 2017, only one company and one school were involved, whereas today, over 560 companies and 62 schools are part of the process. Dual education is implemented in 260 classes, with training taking place within companies.

"It is essential to invest in education and create a workforce aligned with the needs of businesses. Without skilled labor, we cannot expect productivity, production, or efficiency—factors directly linked to GDP growth. Our dedication and efforts are focused on establishing a high-quality, functional education system tailored to business demands," Janevska stated.

Parallel to these efforts, the Chamber has secured financial support for companies investing in vocational education through its international partnerships. More than €7.1 million in grants have been provided through the WB6 Chamber Investment Forum (WB6 CIF) and the German Development Bank (KfW), benefiting vocational schools, faculties, and businesses actively engaged in the development of dual education.

Janevska also highlighted the Chamber’s advocacy for increasing the budget allocation for vocational education from 3.7% to 5% of GDP, aligning with OECD recommendations.

"Vocational education is costly. The funding for vocational schools and general high schools (gymnasiums) cannot be the same because vocational schools require specific equipment, tools, and machinery for students to use in school workshops. The financing model needs to change—not based on the number of students but on the real needs for implementing the qualifications being taught. We must follow the OECD’s 5% approach to education funding, as only by investing in education can we ensure quality. The return on investment may not be immediate, but in the long run, it will pay off, as we will develop a skilled workforce that will contribute to the economy," she stressed. She added that the Chamber’s future plans include improving the quality of practical training and increasing the number of companies and schools participating in these programs.

"Our next focus is higher education, which is crucial because universities should not only produce academics but also graduates with the professional and practical skills required by businesses. We are currently working on integrating mandatory practical training into university curricula," Janevska stated.

She also reflected on the challenges faced by companies and institutions during the initial implementation of practical training in line with the real sector’s needs. Janevska recalled that, at the start, companies hosting students for practical training were fined by the State Labor Inspectorate due to unclear legal regulations. After significant efforts, the Chamber successfully established a legal framework enabling a tripartite agreement between the student (and their parent), the company, and the school, ensuring a regulated and safe practical training experience in real working conditions.

Natasa Janevska, M.A., is an expert with extensive experience in vocational education and the qualification system. As a former State Advisor at the Ministry of Education and Science and a member of the Advisory Committee on Vocational Education and Training at the European Commission, she played a key role in developing the National Qualifications Framework. Since 2019, she has been part of the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia, working on creating a system for workforce development in line with business needs—one of the Chamber’s strategic goals for the next decade.