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 Balkan WBL Cooperation project was launched to address shared challenges in work-based learning (WBL) across Bulgaria, Greece, North Macedonia, and Romania. Despite national efforts to strengthen WBL systems, the region continues to face fragmented governance, skills mismatches, limited business engagement, and low attractiveness of vocational pathways. The project responded to the need for stronger regional cooperation, mutual learning, and practical tools to support schools, companies, and policymakers. It aimed to bring together key VET actors to identify common bottlenecks, share experiences, and develop joint policy recommendations. Over 950 stakeholders, including VET schools, training centres, employers, policy makers and company mentors, were involved in consultations. Their input shaped a set of regional recommendations to improve governance, align training to labour market needs, and make WBL more attractive and inclusive for learners and companies alike.