Draft Law on Dual Education in Parliamentary Procedure

(Patria) - The Government of Sarajevo Canton today established the Draft Law on Dual Education and forwarded it to the parliamentary procedure.

This is a systemic change that connects secondary schools with employers, increases the scope of practical instruction, and improves employment opportunities for students immediately after completing secondary school.

The model envisages that students of technical and vocational schools carry out a significant part of their practical instruction with employers who meet the prescribed conditions.

Learning takes place under the supervision of a mentor in the company, coordinated by the school, and the practice can also be carried out with multiple business entities.

The goal is to move from school workshops to real work environments where students acquire applicable skills.

The Ministry of Education of Sarajevo Canton states that the new law introduces a gradual increase in the number of days and hours of learning through work, standardizes the mentor role, and strengthens the responsibility of schools.

Emphasis is placed on certified mentors, their training and licensing, and the role of school coordinators.

It is also important to emphasize that implementation will be gradual, and the roles of practical instruction teachers will change and be more precisely regulated by by-laws, in order to prevent the creation of a technological surplus among teachers.

Minister Naida Hota-Muminović emphasizes that the essence of the reform is clear: to raise the quality of skills, open doors to employment, and strengthen the motivation for young people to stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

- We are moving towards changes that enable young people to have more practical instruction, learning with an employer and compensation for work, with greater chances for employment.

We want our children to stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina, to build their homeland and be close to their families - the minister said.

She added that the Draft Law follows the goals of the Growth Plan: at least 40% of technical school students will have practice in the real sector, and 15% of graduates will find employment within one year of completing their education.

As an important message to parents and students, she emphasized that four-year occupations in the dual model remain fully compatible with continuing education at universities.

- Dual education does not close the academic path, but enriches it with practical experience and real partnerships between schools, employers and institutions - the minister concluded.

The draft is the result of a partnership between the Ministry of Education of Sarajevo Canton, the Ministry of Economy of Sarajevo Canton, the Association of Employers, the Chamber of Commerce and Crafts of Sarajevo Canton, schools and local communities.

The Parent Council, trade unions, organizations of persons with disabilities, and the Public Institution Institute for the Development of Pre-University Education also participated in its creation, thereby ensuring equal access, gender equality and inclusiveness for students with developmental difficulties.

The reform affirms equal opportunities, prohibition of discrimination, gender equality and accessibility for students with disabilities, making dual education a standardized, fair and high-quality model of learning through work.

Parliamentary deliberations and a public hearing will follow before the finalization of the bill.

The Ministry states that it remains open to proposals that contribute to better education and practice, and a stronger partnership.