Knowledge That Drives the Future

Investing in high-quality vocational education and training is not a cost—it’s an investment in a sustainable future for young people, the labor market, and society as a whole. Only through joint action by educational institutions, authorities, and the business community can Bosnia and Herzegovina build a competitive, modern system of vocational education and training—the foundation of economic growth and employment.

These themes were at the center of the two-day 5th annual conference “The Future of High-Quality Vocational Education (VET): A Shared Responsibility”, organized by the Ministry of Civil Affairs of BiH (Education Sector) in cooperation with the development cooperation programs of the Swiss Confederation, the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany, and the Austrian Agency for Education and Internationalisation.

Reform—especially in education—is not an easy task, but the goal is clear: to strengthen dialogue about the future of vocational education and training in BiH, exchange experiences, promote successful public-private partnerships, stimulate cooperation, improve the VET system, and—more importantly—align it with labor market needs.

This is all the more important because in Bosnia and Herzegovina more than 70 percent of students attend vocational schools.

“This is an opportunity to review the results we have achieved and, together with businesses, assess the needs of the labor market and try to improve the dialogue between education and the labor market,” said Adnan Husić, Assistant to the Minister of Civil Affairs of BiH for the Education Sector.

Education as the Key to the Future

The upper-secondary vocational education system in Bosnia and Herzegovina is at a crossroads—facing the opportunity to transform into a strong foundation for the development of young people and society as a whole. Although it faces challenges such as outdated curricula and slower reform implementation, there is a growing number of initiatives pointing to the need for modernization and stronger institutional cooperation.

Modern approaches to education can help young people acquire the knowledge and skills the labor market truly demands, opening doors to more stable employment and successful careers. Investing in quality education also directly strengthens the domestic economy and reduces the outflow of skilled workers.

Snježana Kopruner, director and majority owner of the successful Travnik company GS – Tvornica mašina (GS – Machine Factory), strongly believes in this vision. She emphasizes that without education there is no progress—neither for individuals, nor for society, nor for the economy. Her message clearly underscores how important it is to invest in knowledge so that, together, we can build a more competitive and sustainable future.

“Education is, to me, the same as—our future. Regardless of whether our children will stay here or go to work abroad, it is extremely important that they receive a good education, because that determines their future. We, as employers, must do everything to create the conditions for them to stay here”, Kopruner stressed.

However, she added that, in her view, education in BiH is in free fall—worsening every year. Hence her message:

“We must do everything to educate our children as well as possible and prepare them for the labor market”.

She pointed to her company as an example of the right path forward. At GS – Machine Factory, second- and third-year students come two or three days a week to learn the trade under the close supervision of mentors. The best among them receive scholarships.

Lessons from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland

Examples like this show how crucial the connection between education and the economy is for the success of VET reform in BiH. That is why the experiences and support of partners from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland are a valuable signpost Bosnia and Herzegovina should follow.

The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to BiH, Alfred Grannas, emphasized that vocational education is one of the key priorities of German-BiH cooperation, which has lasted for three decades.

“Together with our partners, we want to help Bosnia and Herzegovina develop a system of vocational education, because it is, as we say, not such a big secret of our countries’ success,” said Ambassador Grannas.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to BiH, Georg Diwald, particularly highlighted the importance of a qualified workforce—not only for economic growth but also for the future of young people in the country—and stressed the strong support Austria provides to Bosnia and Herzegovina on its path to the European Union.

“Reforms in education, especially in vocational education and training, are key to economic development and to keeping young people in the country. Austria remains a reliable partner in this process,” Diwald stated.

Shared responsibility is a key theme in vocational education, added the Swiss Ambassador to BiH, Gabriele Enrico Derighetti.

“The private sector knows which skills are needed in the labor market, while society as a whole must take its share of responsibility. This is a long-term process in which everyone has a role,” the Swiss ambassador noted.

He added that over the past year he has seen progress, particularly in connecting cantonal institutions with the private sector in promoting vocational education. This is the path to continue, he said.

Participants of the VET conference—representatives of ministries of education, pedagogical institutes, chambers of commerce and crafts, companies, and schools—agreed that only through joint action can Bosnia and Herzegovina build a competitive, modern VET system that forms the basis of economic growth and employment.

During the discussions, they considered key preconditions for improving work-based learning, quality assurance, access to education, and the development of competencies among teachers and mentors.

The conference concluded that it is the shared responsibility of all stakeholders to improve the system of vocational education and training—so that young people acquire the knowledge and skills for the future, and employers gain a qualified and competitive workforce.