ERI SEE Supporting Skills Excellence in the Region

In 2025, ERI SEE continued to strengthen its commitment to promoting high-quality vocational education and training (VET) across South-Eastern Europe by taking part in regional and national skills competitions inspired by the WorldSkills movement. As a global initiative, WorldSkills raises the visibility of vocational professions, motivates young people to pursue skills-based careers, and helps align training systems with evolving labour-market needs.

Several ERI SEE members: Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia, are part of the WorldSkills Europe network, marking an important step toward harmonising their VET systems with international standards and expanding opportunities for young professionals across the region.

A key highlight of the year was SerbianSkills2025, the first national skills competition in Serbia under the WorldSkills brand, held from 23 to 26 April in Niš. The event was organised by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia together with the Office for Dual Education and the National Qualifications Framework, bringing together young professionals, educators, employers and institutional stakeholders. Twenty-five young competitors aged 17–25 demonstrated their skills in mechatronics, web development, and hotel reception. The top performers presented Serbia at the 9th EuroSkills Competition in Denmark, further showcasing the region’s growing presence within European VET excellence initiatives.

ERI SEE took part in SerbianSkills2025, reaffirming its ongoing support for skills competitions as an important mechanism for enhancing the attractiveness and relevance of VET. In previous years, ERI SEE was also present at WorldSkills Croatia competition held in Zagreb, continuing to strengthen cooperation with national partners and supporting initiatives that highlight vocational excellence and young talent. Through participation in events such as these, ERI SEE contributes to raising public awareness of the value of vocational professions, motivating young people to develop labour-market-oriented skills, and fostering stronger connections between education systems and employers.

Looking ahead, ERI SEE remains committed to promoting regional collaboration, supporting skills excellence, and contributing to a more competitive and future-ready workforce in South-Eastern Europe.