CANDI and DC VET WB: Projects shaping the future of vocational education

On 11/12/2024, the IUS Lifelong Learning Center hosted a Multiplier event highlighting the progress and results of the CANDI (Capacity in Digital VET Teaching) project.

The project was designed for vocational schools in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Albania, developing customized programs that meet the specific needs of each school, and is just one of many implemented by the IUS Life.

• The project was co-financed by the European Commission, lasted 24 months and brought together a consortium of 10 educational institutions from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Germany and Spain.
• IUS, as a higher education institution, is strongly committed to vocational education in Bosnia and Herzegovina, recognizing its key role in the development of the economy and society in general. “We are particularly committed to projects that promote and strengthen the vocational education system, including those that focus on professions that are sometimes neglected, but are still vital to society,” emphasized IUS Vice-Rector Prof. Kanita Karadjuzovic-Hadziabdic.
• The Vice President of EfVET, Stefano Tirati, also joined in the welcoming remarks, highlighting the potential of micro-credentials as additional educational offerings that can increase the attractiveness of educational institutions and the competitiveness of participants on the labor market.
• Madeleine Diab, project coordinator of AFBB, Dresden, spoke about her experience in the challenges of implementing the CANDI project and highlighted how such projects can transform educational practices and open new horizons for teachers and students.
• The guests were also welcomed by the representative of the National Erasmus + Office Bosnia and Herzegovina, Lejla Kapidzic, underlined the importance CANDI initiative and reminded us: “Although not yet a member of the EU, our country has access to a large number of Erasmus + opportunities, and our National Office always provides support in the areas of higher and vocational education.”

“The CANDI project, through its commitment to improving digital pedagogy and vocational education, has inspired school communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Albania. This project has not only improved teaching practices but has also paved the way for new initiatives and projects focused on continuous learning and adaptation. IUS Life, as a coordinator and partner, continues to play a key role in this process, encouraging VET system in the region to be ready for the challenges of the future.” said Mirsada Mehremic, project coordinator, summarizing the two-year implementation of CANDI activities.

• • • The project also produced a Transfer of Good Practices document that provides comprehensive guidelines for implementing the CANDI model.
    • During the presentation of the transfer of good practices, Nermina Segalo emphasized that such a document can serve as a starting point for decision-makers responsible for the professional development of teaching staff in schools.

Insight of Dc-VET WB project

• The second part of the presentation was dedicated to the three-year DC VET Western Balkans project, whose insight was given by Sibela Besirevic, project coordinator, stating that “We are currently in its middle phase of the project and we are presenting the achieved results, including the analysis of the work-based learning method and fostering social inclusion in the VET systems of the Western Balkans. This important project for us involves 7 partner educational institutions from Spain, Italy, Finland, Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
• One of the highlights of the Dc-VET WB project is certainly the presentation of the results of the study visit to Ammattiopisto Luovi Vocational College in Helsinki, the leading Finnish vocational college.
• According to Bahra Pasic, Jasmina Pezo and Armin Biber, directors and assistant directors of the schools, this study visit was of key importance for the exchange of experiences because Finland is a leader in the field of vocational education and social inclusion. This experience allowed us to learn about the best practices that are applicable in our environment and have in focus the students of the IPP program.
• Closing the multiplier event, Sibela Besirevic announced upcoming project activities, such as “Blended Mobility” that will take place next year.
• She also invited all teachers and school directors to register for the E-Learning platform, titled “VET going International”, through which they will learn all the steps about Erasmus + mobility, internationalization of VET schools, capacity building, internships in companies, etc.

🙏 IUS Life would like to thank all our speakers, guests, directors and teachers, IUS management and colleagues, representatives of the Federal and Cantonal Chamber of Economy, the Mayor of Gracanica, representatives of the government and non-government sector, students and media representatives for their continuous support of our projects.

IUS Life Team

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Author of the article: Mirsada Mehremic (Assist. Director LLC)

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