From May 12 to 16, 2025, a study visit to Slovenia and Croatia was organized for representatives of key institutions from Serbia involved in adult education. Participants included officials from the Ministry of Education, the Office for Dual Education and the National Qualifications Framework (NOKS), the Qualifications Agency, the Institute for the Improvement of Education, the Institute for Education Quality and Evaluation, the Association of Andragogues of Serbia, the National Employment Service, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, the Sectoral Council for Education, the Council for Vocational Education and Adult Education, the Association of Mechanical Schools, and the Council for the National Qualifications Framework of the Republic of Serbia.
The main aim of the visit was to explore institutional models and practices in the areas of adult education, quality assurance, accreditation of training providers, recognition of prior learning, and qualifications recognition. Over the course of five days, the Serbian delegation visited numerous institutions and organizations that play a central role in shaping and implementing adult education policies in Slovenia and Croatia, exchanging experiences and ideas with their hosts.
The first stop was the Biotechnical Educational Centre Ljubljana, one of Slovenia’s ten largest educational centers. Offering nine secondary school and two higher education programs, along with more than 70 short training courses, the Centre provides students, including adult learners, with both general and specialized knowledge in fields such as veterinary science, food technology and nutrition, biotechnology, environmental protection, hospitality, and tourism.
During meetings, representatives of the Slovenian Ministry of Education presented the adult education system, including its legal framework and strategic goals. The Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities highlighted the importance of national professional qualifications, quality assurance procedures, training program implementation, outcome verification, and funding mechanisms.
Discussions focused on systemic solutions in both formal and non-formal adult education, procedures for accrediting programs and providers, legal frameworks for the recognition of prior learning, and tailoring curricula to individual needs.
The delegation next visited the Slovenian Institute for Adult Education (ACS), the country’s leading public institution for adult learning. For over three decades, ACS has developed and promoted adult education in line with national and European strategies, supporting institutions through research and advocacy for lifelong learning. The meeting emphasized the Institute’s role in quality assurance, particularly in strengthening the competencies of adult educators.
On the following day, the delegation visited the Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Vocational Education and Training (CPI), responsible for program development, occupational standards, alignment of qualifications with European frameworks, and collaboration with industry. CPI representatives presented their role in designing qualifications and improving training programs, as well as implementing European initiatives to align Slovenia’s education system with international standards.
Discussion topics included CPI’s contribution to quality assurance in adult education, the development of upskilling and reskilling programs, and cooperation with the business sector to ensure labor market relevance. The recognition of prior learning and the training of teachers and instructors were also addressed as vital for raising the quality of vocational education.
Next, the delegation visited the National Examination Centre (RIC), which oversees general and vocational maturas, the validation of national professional qualifications, and language exams for adults. RIC also develops assessment methodologies, provides evaluator training, supports state committees, and conducts research to improve exam quality. Discussions focused on RIC’s role in ensuring the relevance of the education system, especially through the design of exams and the training of committee members. The adaptation of final exams to adult learners, particularly the scheduling of exam sessions, was also explored.
On the third day, the group traveled to Koper, where they visited Luka Koper, the Port of Koper. The company presented best practices in collaborating with education providers to train adults for labor market needs. The Serbian delegation toured Luka Koper’s training center and reviewed annual training plans tailored to employer and employee needs, emphasizing continuous professional development.
The delegation also visited Koper Secondary Technical School, an institution offering various adult education programs. Discussions highlighted the school's role in adult education and its quality assurance mechanisms, with a special focus on learning outcomes as a tool for improving educational processes.
On the fourth day, the group visited the School Centre Kranj, which consists of five organizational units, including secondary and higher vocational schools. The Centre partners with over 300 companies, providing students and adult learners with hands-on experience in real-world settings. Alongside its regular programs, the Centre offers adult education adapted to the needs of the local labor market.
Representatives presented key educational programs and quality assurance approaches, such as individualized achievement evaluations, the identification of learning gaps, and teaching process improvements. The meeting also highlighted the importance of lifelong learning, development of adult competencies, and career guidance practices, including recognition of prior learning.
The same day included a visit to the B&B Education Centre, a private institution offering formal and non-formal adult education at secondary, post-secondary, and higher levels. Their mission is to improve adult employability through lifelong learning and internationally recognized qualifications, linking personal experiences with broader socio-economic contexts.
B&B staff shared insights on the role and conditions of private education providers in Slovenia, with emphasis on quality assurance, program evaluation, and the accreditation process. Participants learned about the functioning and standards of private adult education institutions.
The final day of the study visit was dedicated to institutional meetings in Zagreb, with a focus on the craft education system and qualification recognition in Croatia.
The delegation visited the Zagreb Chamber of Trades and Crafts (OKZ), a central player in craft education, licensing training providers, and administering qualification and master exams. OKZ’s president provided an overview of the chamber’s role in adult education, stressing the importance of professional training and mentorship in bridging practical and formal education.
Officials from the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Croatia explained the legal and administrative framework for recognizing foreign qualifications, particularly in master trades, aligned with EU directives and Croatian legislation. They outlined the recognition process, including adaptation periods and competency checks, and the Ministry’s quality assurance responsibilities.
The Zagreb Craft College presented its approach to developing adult education programs in accordance with the Croatian Qualifications Framework (HKO), with a focus on micro-qualifications—short, flexible, market-oriented modules. These programs are created in collaboration with employers and supported by public voucher systems funded through EU sources (NPOO and ESF+). Emphasis was placed on aligning programs with learning outcomes and the HKO Register, highlighting the role of quality and transparency in lifelong learning.
The study visit to Slovenia and Croatia provided a valuable platform for knowledge-sharing and cross-border collaboration. The Serbian delegation gained in-depth insights into effective institutional practices and modern approaches that will inform the ongoing development of adult education systems in Serbia.