Experimental implementation of dual education has been introduced from the school year 2018/19. Four vocational education and training (VET) programmes are offered in 11 VET schools and 156 students enrolled. Experimental implementation is based on the Model of Croatian dual education which defines main principles and aims, organisation of education process, financing, participants and their roles, access to and completion of programmes and stakeholder partnerships. 

VET curricula for salesperson, chimney sweeper and glazier at CROQF level 4.1 / EQF level 4 and beautician at CROQF level 4.2 / EQF level 4 have been developed according to the newly adopted National Curriculum for VET (Official Gazette 62/2018) and implemented in the fourth and the fifth cycle of education. The experimental implementation is financed from the state budget and from the project Modernization of VET Programs within the Swiss-Croatian Cooperation Programme.

In the dual model, VET schools are responsible for the school-based part of the programme and for preparing students for work-based learning (WBL) in the companies involved. VET schools support and supervise mentors in companies. Partnership between VET schools and companies is reflected in planning and implementing of WBL, continuous professional development of VET teachers and mentors, exchange of new technologies and know-how, monitoring and assessment of student progress in WBL activities, and organising mid-term and final exams. As the backbone of the dual education model, work-based learning is delivered in VET schools or regional competence centres and in companies for up to 40% of qualifications at CROQF level 4.2 / EQF level 4, and up to 100% for qualifications at CROQF level 4.1 / EQF level 4. In the first year students sign contracts with the company and VET school and, in subsequent years, with the company that regulates the students’ employment within the programmes. Students are entitled to a monthly allowance during the entire programme for the WBL part undertaken in businesses.

The Ministry of Science and Education is the body responsible for the implementation of the experimental programme of dual education in partnerships with the Ministry of Economy and Ministry of Labour, Agency for VET and Adult Education and the Education and Teacher Training Agency, Croatian Chamber of Trades and Crafts, Croatian Chamber of Economy, Croatian Employers’ Association and a number of embassies in Croatia. The introduction of the dual education model is in line with key strategic documents, such as the Croatian Government work programme for 2016-2020, Strategy for education, science and technology, and VET system development programme 2016-2020.

Read more:

Model of Croatian dual education, Ministry of Science and Education (in Croatian)

National Curriculum for VET, Ministry of Science and Education (In Croatian)

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