On Monday, the Croatian Chamber of Crafts (HOK) said that the quality of the new curricula for craft occupations will affect the future of domestic crafts, which is why they insist on learning based on work.
The HOK reported that during the e-consultation process, they sent 41 comments on the curricula for vocational occupations, in which they support the introduction of new curricula into the system of vocational education and training and the modernization of the implementation of vocational education, especially emphasizing modular approach and strengthening the work-based learning segment as a key component of quality vocational education.
The HOK demanded that all commented curricula include clear information that work-based training is realized by apprentices with a licensed employer, with the prior approval of the ministry responsible for entrepreneurship and crafts. In his comments on all HOK curricula, he emphasized the position that at least half of the points from the total volume of the qualification must be obtained at a licensed employer, thus emphasizing the need for as many work-based training as possible with the employer in a real work environment; she is.
Also, HOK demanded a clear highlighting of information about the scientific exam as part of the defense of the final thesis, i.e. the inclusion of information that the condition for obtaining the qualification was prepared and defended, the final thesis is an integral part of the pass. scientific exam. A clear emphasis was also requested that the implementation of the apprenticeship, and thus the possession of the Apprenticeship Contract, is regulated by special regulations regulating its implementation, because it is extremely important that information about the conditions and methods of education in such a model be clear and specifically emphasized.
The HOK additionally attached a comment specifically for the professions of beautician and hairdresser – that these professions should be implemented in the apprenticeship system at the three-year level, since this enables a larger pool of work-based training hours. Namely, the curricula are currently developed at the level of a four-year program, but despite this, because they last a year longer, they contain a smaller pool of hours of work-based training, HOK pointed out. In doing so, they reiterated their position that it is important to ensure the implementation of education for hairdressers and beauticians as three-year programs and thus once again emphasized that practice is key.
“The quality of the new curricula for craft occupations will reflect on the future of Croatian craftsmanship, that is why it is extremely important that we insist on work-based learning,” said HOK president Dalibor Kratohvil, noting that there is no better way for a young craftsman to learn his trade than in a craft workshop under the watchful eye of someone with knowledge and skills. At the same time, the wordč about passing on the craft heritage and creating skilled new generations of Croatian craftsmen, he said.
Craftsmanship, he said, is a growing force, and he is particularly pleased with the change in trend and the increase in interest in craft occupations, as well as the stable growth of children enrolled in them. He presented the information that five years ago there were more than 20,000 children enrolled in vocational programs according to the unique model of education represented by HOK.
It is the result of the joint work of the HOK, regional chambers of commerce, the craftsmen themselves, the ministry responsible for crafts, vocational schools, the Croatian Employment Service and other stakeholders, Kratohvil pointed out, stressing that it is important that the enrollment policy has begun to follow the Institute’s recommendations, and quotas for enrollment in trade professions are being increased.
In the school year 2023/2024. According to the HOK, 4,524 students are enrolled in JMO programs (unified education model), which is a slight increase compared to the 2022/2023 school year. when 4,256 students were enrolled, and most of the programs were filled. in the summer enrollment period.