Support to VET Schools

Under result one, the following activities are planned to be carried out throughout the Project:

Development of modern and adequate qualification sets (OS, curricula, TLM, etc.)

One of the main objectives of the Project is to provide the education system with the most updated qualification sets (Occupational Standards, curricula, Teaching and Learning Material), which shall follow the learning outcomes provided by the analysis of the OS and foresee the modular integration of theoretical and practical training. The development of qualification sets includes the drafting or updating of the OS, curricula, and TLM in collaboration with a significant representation of the future employers related to the profile, especially in the private sector.

Provision of renovation works and equipment for the workshops of selected profiles in supported VET institutes

The equipment status in most VET institutes in Kosovo is not in line with the requirements of the labour market. A significant number of hours of practical training are conducted outside of the institute’s premises, with the support of the companies’ partnering schools. The same situation is present in the supported schools by ESVET PRO. The Project supports the schools in providing equipment to facilitate the practical training process and to cover the gap in the availability of Work-Based Learning (WBL) in the companies. The provision of equipment to the schools ensures that the students will fully comprehend the learning outcomes from the specific modules, which are congruently interlinked with the usage of equipment.

Capacity development of Teaching Staff

The capacity development activities for teaching staff will be carried out in relation to the new Qualification Sets and the increasing demand of the labour market. Capacity development activities include ad hoc direct courses and training, on the job training, as well as coaching and mentoring during the school year, also in the framework of mobility or exchange programmes.

Development of new technologies that aim to improve the planning and the implementation of the teaching, the learning or the assessment process of teachers and students

Within this activity, the Project is developing the Cloud Based Testing System (CBTS) which allows taking tests and evaluations remotely. The CBTS will have interactive features whereby questions will be embedded with pictures, videos, and recordings allowing students to learn the coursework in a practical, user-friendly way. The establishment of a CBTS in the VET sector in Kosovo will be very important to monitor student learning, improve academic programs, and enhance teaching and learning. Additionally, it will increase the level of transparency between teachers and students and improve the overall efficiency of generating results faster.

Implementation of the Business model approach in three VET schools and capacity development of school management

The Business Model approach is a methodology designed to help VET institutions align their programmes with labour market needs and become a liaison between the industry and graduates of VET schools. It includes training, coaching, mentoring, and the development of marketing plans, market analysis, and other management practices aiming to improve the governing structure of the three VET schools, including establishing the Industrial bodies (IB) and Industrial Advisory Boards (IAB). This activity represents a valuable contribution to the process of harmonisation of the national VET institutes’ management system.

Support to the implementation of Work-Based Learning (WBL) – Professional Practice in VET Institutes

As a driving mechanism of a student’s career, Work-Based Learning (WBL) is foreseen within the practical training plan of the curricula of each profile. Through this activity, the Project supports the schools in the facilitation of the WBL through the establishment of MoUs with future potential employers in the region and in the effective planning and implementation of WBL practices. The WBL is an integral part of the learning outcomes; therefore, the Project places significant importance in conducting professional practice at the workshops in the VET schools. Nevertheless, whenever the workshops of the VET schools do not have sufficient equipment to cover the requirements of practical hours, the Project will also support implementation of the professional practice outside the school (in public or private companies) through a close cooperation between the schools and private enterprises.

Implementation of the new costing mechanism and financial monitoring tools in supported VET schools

The main objective of this activity is the facilitation and implementation of the new tool and the provision of training for financial management and budgeting of VET schools. As part of this activity, the Project provides technical support to the selected schools in acquiring relevant financial data and customising the available digital tools. The Project contributes to building capacities regarding budget planning, financial analysis, mitigation of the identified risks, challenges, gaps and administration of the financial system.

Strengthening links with the private sector in targeted VET schools.

Within this activity, the Project provides technical support to establish agreements with different CSOs to increase the sustainability of the cooperation between the targeted VET schools and the private sector. The range of activities includes organization of field trips for VET students to company factories, the organisation of seminars, summits, and workshops to promote and increase the cooperation between the VET schools and the companies.