Bulgaria: Building a stronger future: Balkan nations unite to boost WBL

The regional conference held in Sofia on 16 October 2025 marked the concluding event of the Balkan work-based learning (WBL) cooperation project. This two-year collaborative project, funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union, aimed at strengthening regional cooperation in WBL. Coordinated by the non-governmental Bulgarian organization, the Modern Education Foundation, the project united VET stakeholders from Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, and North Macedonia to explore common challenges and promote effective WBL.

At the event, the consortium presented its final policy recommendation paper, which was set up through extensive consultations involving more than 950 stakeholders. The recommendations address four key areas:

• WBL governance,
• skills alignment,
• employer cooperation, and
• improving the attractiveness of WBL pathways.

Identified challenges in WBL

Despite national differences, several shared challenges emerged for the Balkan countries, participating in this project. These include fragmented governance, limited coordination between schools and employers, and low stakeholder involvement in policy design.

VET providers and companies across the Balkan region report that WBL programmes are often difficult to navigate due to overlapping responsibilities and inconsistent legal frameworks. Smaller companies face additional obstacles, including unclear incentives and complex procedures.

The analysis also highlights a persistent gap between VET curricula and labour market needs. Stakeholders emphasised the need to update training content more regularly, integrate digital and transversal competences, and invest in mentor training.

Improving the image of vocational education remains a key concern. To address this, the policy paper proposes coordinated communication efforts, including media outreach, career guidance in schools, and stronger employer involvement in promotional activities.

Roadmap to enhance WBL  

The final roadmap outlines five priority areas for joint action of the participating Balkan countries:

• improving coordination and stakeholder engagement in WBL governance;
• aligning training content with key competences and business needs;
• supporting employer participation, particularly among SMEs;
• promoting WBL to learners and families and ensuring inclusive access;
• strengthening quality assurance and feedback mechanisms.

The proposed measures are in line with current EU policy strategic documents, including the European Skills Agenda, the Herning Declaration, and the Pact for Skills.

Read more:

• Balkan work-based learning cooperation