Skopje, 13 July 2021 (MIA) — The Ministry of Education and Science together with the Swiss Embassy and the Swiss Education for Employment in North Macedonia (E4E@мк) project is developing a five-year plan to invest in and improve secondary vocational education in the country. According to the Ministry of Education and Science, Minister of Education and Science Mila Carovska at a workshop said the concept of dual education was appealing to young people because it bolsters students’ academic knowledge with skills they gain in the workplace. This is why, Minister Carovska said, the Ministry of Education and Science has prioritized promoting secondary vocational education. “This way, we provide the talent that companies need but also increase employment opportunities for young people,” Carovska said. She added that companies were fully involved in the process of vocational education of high school students by offering internships. These will make it possible for young people to gain the professional skills they need while experiencing actual workplace dynamics. Explaining the project's progress, the education minister said a survey was carried out first to identify the needs of the local business community. According to these needs, local schools were asked to provide classes in specific subjects so students could intern at local companies. Then the Ministry of Education and Science promoted the benefits and employment opportunities offered by secondary vocational education to young people. As a result of this dialogue, Carovska said, now 97 subjects are being newly offered in 46 local high schools. In collaboration with over 200 companies, the high schools will implement the concept of dual education beginning this fall, she added. Also, the Ministry of Education and Science has introduced a brand new scholarship policy for the new school year. Students enrolling in dual education will be offered 2000 scholarships worth 3,500 denars each per month for nine months of the year. “This will greatly motivate high school students,” Carovska said, adding they could “study and have an income at the same time.” In the press release, the Ministry of Education and Science highlights that it continues to develop secondary vocational education to bring it closer to the business community. "Our priority as the Ministry of Education and Science is to provide quality education and knowledge young people can use, which will help them find their place in society," the release says. mr/