The project Excellence, Innovation, and Visibility Support Project for Vocational Education and Training, contracted under the Efficient Human Resources Program 2021-2027 (ESF+), will be implemented from January 2024 to December 2029. The project has a total value of EUR 13,499,978.60, with 85% funded through grants from the European Social Fund (ESF) and the remaining 15% provided by the State Budget of the Republic of Croatia.

The Agency for Vocational Education and Training and Adult Education (ASOO) is the responisble authority for the project, implementing in effort to achieve Specific Objective 2.1.1.1: Higher quality, inclusiveness, and effectiveness of education and training systems and their relevance to the labor market, including the evaluation of non-formal and informal learning, to support the acquisition of key competencies, including entrepreneurial and digital skills, and to promote the introduction of dual training and apprenticeship systems

The general objective of the project is to promote the excellence and attractiveness of vocational education through the organization of vocational competitions as a platform for connecting schools and employers, with specific support to the Agency in promoting student skills and competencies through vocational competitions and exhibitions.

In order to accomplish the project’s objectives, five key activities have been outlined:

1. Organization, preparation, and coordination of national competitions and fairs of vocational school students.
2. Technical support, upgrading, and maintenance of the Central Information Competition System – WSC SINAS.
3. Implementation of national competitions and exhibitions of vocational school students.
4. Preparation and participation in international competitions and events (EuroSkills, WorldSkills).
5. Strengthening the capacity of ASOO through professional development, study visits, and other forms of networking and cooperation with other organizations in the field of excellence, innovation, and visibility in vocational education and training (VET).

One of the most successful activities initiated in the previous program period, which will continue to be implemented during this project, is the organization of national competitions for vocational school students, WorldSkills Croatia.