This is the second article in the first volume in a new series of briefs Mapping Community Colleges Around the World: Comparative Perspectives and Collaborative Pathways presented by ACCT and STAR Scholars Network. Click here to read the full brief of the first volume, Global Snapshots: Models, Missions, and Challenges, which profiles institutions in Colombia, Croatia, Malawi, Pakistan, South Africa, South Korea, Syria, and the United States.
In today’s rapidly evolving labor market, aligning educational systems with industry needs has become a top priority. The European Union (EU) has been at the forefront of this endeavor through initiatives promoting vocational education and training (VET). A cornerstone of this effort is the development of the Centers of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs), which are designed to bridge the gap between education, skills, and employment. This article explores the concept of CoVEs, their implementation in Croatia, and their potential impact on regional development.
Centers of Vocational Excellence: A European Framework
The EU’s Centers of Vocational Excellence initiative responds to the growing need for tailored, high-quality vocational training. Unlike traditional vocational schools, CoVEs function as dynamic ecosystems that bring together education providers, businesses, research institutions, and other stakeholders to create comprehensive training programs addressing both regional and sectoral demands.
CoVEs aim to provide high-quality vocational skills to young people and adults, contributing to regional development, innovation, industrial clusters, smart specialization strategies, and social inclusion. They operate by developing local “skills ecosystems” and are expected to go beyond merely providing vocational qualifications. Their success is attributed to being integrated into frameworks of regional development and maintaining strong, enduring relationships between stakeholders.
The concept of vocational excellence promoted by the EU is characterized by a holistic, learner-centered approach in which VET:
• Is an integrated part of skills ecosystems, contributing to regional development, innovation, smart specialization, and cluster strategies, as well as to specific industrial ecosystems.
• Is part of knowledge triangles, working closely with other education and training sectors, the scientific community, and business.
• Enables learners to acquire both job-specific and key competences through high-quality provision underpinned by quality assurance. As defined by the European Commission, key competences include knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed for personal fulfillment and development, employability, social inclusion and active citizenship. Examples include literacy and numeric skills, digital skills, entrepreneurship, interpersonal skills, the ability to adopt new competences, and cultural awareness and expression, among others.
• Builds innovative forms of partnerships with the world of work, supported by the professional development of training staff, innovative pedagogies, learner and staff mobility, and VET internationalization strategies.
By focusing on inclusive excellence, this model ensures access to top-notch education for all learners, equipping them with essential vocational skills and preparing individuals for quality employment, thereby contributing to a dynamic, inclusive economy.
Transposing CoVEs to Croatia: Regional Centers of Competence in VET
Croatia has embraced the CoVE model by establishing Regional Centers of Competence (RCCs) in vocational education and training. In July 2018, 25 VET schools were chosen among 42 applicants to become the first centers of competence in Croatia. The selection criteria included the quality of VET provision, number of students in particular sectors, regional distribution of schools, and balanced geographical representation. These centers focus on priority areas such as tourism and hospitality, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and ICT, health care, and agriculture.
The Croatian Ministry of Science and Education oversees the RCC initiative, ensuring that these centers address specific regional labor market needs. By focusing on sectors critical to the national economy, RCCs aim to equip the workforce with the skills necessary for economic growth and innovation.
Aligning Education with Regional Labor Market Needs
The primary objective of RCCs is to align vocational education with labor market demands. This alignment is achieved through:
• Engaging industry leaders: Collaborating with businesses to identify skill gaps and design curricula that meet current and future industry demands.
• Implementing modern infrastructure: Investing in state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to simulate realworld work environments, ensuring that students gain practical experience alongside theoretical knowledge.
• Offering lifelong learning opportunities: Providing upskilling and reskilling programs for adults, making RCCs valuable resources for the entire community.
For example, tourism-focused RCCs work closely with hotels, travel agencies, and culinary experts to ensure graduates are well-prepared for the sector’s challenges. Similarly, engineering centers partner with manufacturing companies to integrate advanced robotics and 3D printing technologies into their training programs.
Building Partnerships between Education and Industry
Partnerships are at the heart of RCCs. These collaborations extend beyond curriculum design to include:
• Apprenticeship programs: Integrating on-the-job training opportunities, allowing students to gain practical experience while earning qualifications.
• Research and development (R&D): Partnering with businesses and research institutions to drive innovation.
• Sector-specific events: Hosting regular industry workshops, conferences, and networking events to ensure continuous dialogue between educators and employers.
By working closely with businesses, RCCs ensure that training programs remain relevant and impactful, directly addressing the labor market’s needs.
Case Studies: Success Stories from Croatian RCCs
The impact of RCCs in Croatia is already evident through several success stories:
• Tourism and hospitality: The Regional Center of Competence in Tourism and Hospitality in Zabok has established a modern facility equipped with new classrooms, practice rooms, and an academic hospitality facility with accommodation units of various categories. This center provides practical training through real-life operational segments, enabling students to acquire hands-on experience in the tourism and hospitality sector. The facility also highlights green architecture and functionality, aligning with sustainable development goals.
• Mechanical engineering: The RCC in Karlovac has partnered with manufacturing companies to introduce cutting-edge technologies such as robotics and 3D printing, enhancing the competitiveness of local industries. By integrating these advanced technologies into their training programs, the center ensures that students are well prepared for the evolving demands of the engineering sector.
• Electrical engineering and ICT: The Technical School in Čakovec has been designated as an RCC that focuses on electrical engineering and information communication technology. The school collaborates with local IT companies to provide students with practical experience in software development, network administration, and cybersecurity.
Broader Implications for Regional Development
The benefits of RCCs extend beyond education. These centers contribute to economic growth, social inclusion, and sustainable development by aligning vocational training with regional economic priorities. A welltrained workforce attracts investment and supports high-value industries while providing opportunities for disadvantaged groups and emphasizing green skills.
Lessons for Non-EU Countries
While the CoVE model is a product of EU policy, its principles are universally applicable. Non-EU countries can draw valuable lessons from this approach. Tailoring education programs to meet regional needs, fostering public-private partnerships, and investing in lifelong learning are critical strategies for addressing skill shortages and economic disparities.
Conclusion
The Regional Centers of Competence in Croatia exemplify how vocational education can be transformed to meet the demands of a modern labor market. By fostering partnerships, embracing innovation, and focusing on regional needs, these centers prepare individuals for employment and drive broader economic and social development.
As global economies face increasing challenges, the CoVE model offers a blueprint for building resilient, inclusive, and future-ready education systems. Whether in Europe or beyond, the integration of vocational training, industry collaboration, and regional development holds immense promise for creating a more equitable and prosperous future.
References
Cedefop. (n.d.). Croatia: Regional centres of competences in VET reach full-fledged operation. Retrieved from https://www.cedefop.europa.eu/en/news/croatia-regional-centres-competences-vet-reach-full-fledged-operation
Cedefop. (n.d.). Timeline of VET Policies in Europe. Retrieved from https://www.cedefop.europa.eu/en/tools/ timeline-vet-policies-europe/search/28264
ERRIN. (n.d.). Centres of Vocational Excellence. Retrieved from https://errin.eu/calls/centres-vocational-excellence
European Commission. (n.d.). Centres of Vocational Excellence.
European Commission. (n.d.). Council Recommendation on Key Competences for Lifelong Learning. Retrieved from https://education.ec.europa.eu/focus-topics/improving-quality/key-competences
About the Author
Dr. Lucia Brajkovic is a Sector Economist at the European Investment Bank, advancing strategic investments in education and public research across Europe and beyond. She also serves as a Guest Lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. A Fulbright Fellow, she earned her doctorate from the Louise McBee Institute of Higher Education at the University of Georgia, USA. Her work focuses on global higher education, finance, policy, and capacity building in underserved regions. E-mail: l.brajkovic@eib.org
