Slovenia: Final conference highlights VET reform achievements

Modernising curricula for future skills

One of the project's main achievements was the revision of 25 upper secondary vocational and technical education programmes and 16 higher vocational study programmes. The renewed programmes place greater emphasis on competence-based learning, digital and green skills, authentic learning situations and closer links between classroom learning and workplace practice. The project also produced curriculum development frameworks and frameworks for competence assessment. Research, methodological guidance and practical resources supported the reform.

Strengthening apprenticeships

The project also strengthened work-based learning (WBL). Guidelines, practical examples and training materials helped workplace mentors translate theoretical knowledge into practice, prepare practical training plans and organise the workplace as an effective learning environment. 

For apprenticeships, proposals were prepared to strengthen coordination between ministries, employers and social partners, extend apprenticeships to adult education, improve the verification of training places and establish national quality criteria.

Digital and practical support for WBL

A pilot electronic WBL application (e-WBL) was developed to support planning, communication, monitoring and assessment of workplace learning. The platform enables learners, schools and employers to exchange information digitally and monitor learning outcomes throughout practical training. WBL is also supported by publishing a three-part handbook (for WBL organisers, mentors at employers and students) for planning and implementation of WBL

Supporting schools in implementing change

Alongside curriculum reform, the project supported teachers and other education professionals in implementing the renewed competence-based programmes. A handbook was developed on integrating key competences into curricula, while training workshops helped teachers incorporate these competences into teaching and develop school-level implementation curricula.

Development of Higher Vocational Education

The activity supported the renewal of higher vocational study programmes and their alignment with labour market needs, the green and digital transitions, and evolving approaches to teaching and learning. It provided professional and methodological support through analyses, international comparisons, revised guidelines and a framework for integrating key competences. On this basis, 16 higher vocational study programmes were renewed. Additional guidelines supported the development of flexible, competence-based education, stronger cooperation with employers and better integration of theory and practice. A dedicated handbook also strengthened the capacity of school staff and company mentors to plan, implement and evaluate practical training. All relevant materials can be found here.

Looking ahead

The project officially concluded at the end of June 2026 after achieving its planned objectives. Its results provide a strong foundation for implementing modernised programmes across Slovenian VET, strengthening cooperation with employers and ensuring that vocational education responds more effectively to labour market needs and the twin digital and green transition.

Read more: 

• Handbook for implementing renewed programmes in secondary VET: examples of practice for planning and implementation
• Assessment of knowledge in competence-based VET
• Planning and implementing competence-based programmes in VET: Methodological Handbook
• Handbook for implementing renewed programmes in Secondary VET: Examples of Practice for Planning and Implementation
• e-PUD: Digital management of workplace training
• Synthesis report on the evaluation of the renewed programme and supporting material for pedagogical and andragogical training of mentors
• Presentation of results of the Modernisation of Vocational Education project
• Library of project materials
• CPI Slovenia – Article about the completion of the Modernisation of VET project
• Cedefop, & ReferNet. (2026). The Modernisation of technical and vocational education under the Slovenian NRRP (2021-26): Slovenia. In Cedefop, & ReferNet. (2026). Timeline of VET policies in Europe (2025 update) [Online tool].