ERI SEE and the Office for Dual Education and the National Qualifications Framework Discuss Strengthening Cooperation

As part of the Education Reform Initiative of South Eastern Europe (ERI SEE)’s continued efforts to strengthen cooperation with national institutions, Sandra Brkanović, Director of the ERI SEE Secretariat, met with Prof. Dr Gabrijela Grujić, Director of the Office for Dual Education and the National Qualifications Framework of the Republic of Serbia (Office), and Milena Gligorijević, Serbia’s official delegate to WorldSkills Europe. Dr Vesna Fabian, Acting Assistant Director for the National Qualifications Framework, joined the meeting online.

The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between ERI SEE and the Office, with particular emphasis on improving coordination among relevant institutions within the education system and strengthening links between national and regional initiatives.

Sandra Brkanović presented ERI SEE’s priorities at the regional level and highlighted key areas for potential cooperation, including the development of qualifications in vocational education and training (VET) and higher education, work-based learning (WBL), quality assurance in pre-tertiary and tertiary education, and career guidance and counselling.

Prof. Dr Gabrijela Grujić emphasised the important role of the Office within Serbia’s education system and its links with international organisations across different areas of work. She also presented training centres established in Serbia in recent years, showcasing the country’s experience in strengthening practical learning opportunities and supporting the development of vocational education and training.

Both sides agreed that the experience gained in establishing and developing these training centres represents a good practice that could be shared across South Eastern Europe, creating opportunities for regional learning and cooperation.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss the forthcoming event in Vienna, jointly prepared by the Austrian Agency for Education and Internationalisation (OeAD) and ERI SEE, which will focus on promoting vocational education and training and exploring opportunities for a potential regional skills competition. The initiative aims to raise the visibility and attractiveness of vocational education and training, while encouraging the exchange of experiences and strengthening regional cooperation in skills development.

The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment to strengthening cooperation between ERI SEE and the Office, improving coordination among relevant institutions, and promoting the exchange of expertise and good practices to support education reforms at both national and regional levels.