The SEE region jointly developing occupational standards
The innovative regional project lead by ERI SEE – Towards regionally-based occupational standards (TO REGOS), funded by the Austrian Development Cooperation is succeeding in what was originally intended: development of 5 regionally-based occupational standards in 2 economic sectors – tourism and catering, and construction. You can find more about the concept of the project here.
ERI SEE, as the coordinator of the project, and TO REGOS implementing partners – VET agencies/centres and chambers of commerce from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia – are heading to the finalization of the project goals The end of 2019 and 2020 were exciting and challenging for the TO REGOS consortium By the end of 2019 the project partners developed the first regionally based occupational standard (OS) in Western Balkan region. It was the hotel and restaurant technician OS that was further on developed into the qualification standards on national level.
The 2020 was devoted to developing four regionally based occupational standards in the construction sector (dry construction worker, painter, floor layer and tile setter). While the COVID-19 pandemic in many ways have hindered the implementation of project activities, the project partners worked hard to organise numerous national meetings on-line as well as regional on-line activities to ensure the regional validation of national inputs throughout 2020. Human resources, experienced occupational standards experts working for the regional VET agencies, the chamber of commerces’ business experts were the project’s most valuable asset and its biggest strength. Despite of all 2020 challenges, they ensured that the project is being implemented without major setbacks.
Lastly, the project looked at the possibilities of developing regional qualification standards by commissioning the Feasibility Study on Developing Regionally Based Standards of Qualifications. The Study conclusions are to be presented by the end of 2020.
While the previous year activities focused on the development of occupational standards, the year 2021 will be devoted to the development of qualification standards and intensively disseminating project results.
The TO REGOS project truly connected the region, the institutions, and the experts working intensely on the activities envisaged. So much so that the second phase is being planned – focusing on regionally-based standards of qualifications as basis for national curricula. We will be updating you on the developments!
More about the project, activities and outputs can be found on the website of the lead partner, ERI SEE Secretariat and on WBA4WBL Platform.
* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNCSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.