Balkan WBL Cooperation

The main objective of the project was to support the development of stronger and more coherent work-based learning systems in the Balkans through regional cooperation, expert exchange, and policy ...

The main objective of the project was to support the development of stronger and more coherent work-based learning systems in the Balkans through regional cooperation, expert exchange, and policy dialogue. The project aimed to improve the alignment of WBL with labour market needs, strengthen partnerships between VET schools and companies, and increase the overall attractiveness of dual education pathways. It sought to identify common challenges, collect practical experiences, and translate them into shared policy recommendations for better governance, improved training content, more effective cooperation with employers, and wider participation of learners. Through regional expert groups, national consultations, and joint analysis, the project wanted to generate concrete proposals for change that could support future reforms at both national and regional levels.

The project was structured around four work packages. It started with coordination activities (WP1), including regular partner meetings, administrative coordination, and reporting tasks. Under WP2, national stakeholder consultations were conducted in all four countries to collect input on work-based learning from schools, employers, and policymakers. These included national surveys, interviews, and focus groups. The data informed four regional expert working group sessions, each focused on one of the project’s core themes: governance, skills alignment, cooperation with employers, and attractiveness of WBL. The final expert session in Skopje wrapped up the process by reviewing draft recommendations. WP3 focused on consolidating findings. A policy working group prepared the final regional policy paper based on over 950 stakeholders’ input. This paper includes shared challenges and recommendations. WP4 covered communication and dissemination. The project website was launched (www.balkanwbl.eu visual identity developed, and all partner organisations shared news through their channels. The final regional conference was held in Sofia in October 2025 to present the results to a wider audience.

The project produced a regional policy paper, based on four separate policy recommendations, with actionable recommendations for improving work-based learning (WBL) in Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, and North Macedonia. Based on extensive fieldwork, including four national studies and over 950 stakeholders consulted, the paper addresses WBL governance, skills alignment, cooperation with business, and attractiveness. A series of expert working group sessions enabled peer exchange and refined the recommendations. A dedicated website (www.balkanwbl.eu was launched to share results openly. The final conference in Sofia brought together key actors from the region to validate the outcomes and set the ground for future cooperation. In addition to the policy document, the project strengthened cooperation between VET providers, companies, and policymakers, and supported national reflection on how to align dual training systems more closely with labour market needs.