17.3.2017, Bratislava
As of 1 April 2017, it is now 2 years since entry of Law No. 61/2015 Coll. on vocational education and training and on amendment and supplements of some Laws into the force. This Law contains legislation relating to dual education. Practice did proove that the current set up of the system work-based learning in the premises of employer is not a very desired model by tradesmen, micro enterprises, and small and medium entreprises (SMEs).
In this regard, within the project Get involved in EP4A: European Partnerships for Apprenticeship, the Regional development Agency Senec-Pezinok held a survey, evaluation of which took place on 14 March 2017 in Bratislava. The activities were organized in cooperation with the Slovak chamber of crafts, which is actively involved in the implementation of Slovak dual vocational education and training elements. Evaluation of the survey was part of a Focus Group discussion, were participants relfected on the results of the survey and provided their insight and recommendations.
Focus Group participants were representatives of the Agency – director Luba Pavlovova, project managers Eva Balazovicova, Eva Lovasikova, Boris Bilek, Chairman of the Slovak Chamber of Crafts – Mgr. Daniela Jaslovská, Chairman of the Regional branch of the Slovak Chamber of Crafts Bratislava – Mr. Vladimír Mička and SMEs – members of Steering commitee of the regional branch of the Chamber.
The main aim was to explore the situation and level of information as well as to support the tradesmen and small and medium entrepreneurs, to encourage them to join the system of dual education. The Resume of results of Survey were presented by the project manager Eva Balazovicova and its target group consisted mainly of small and medium entreprises. The Survey was composed of 10 questions, out of which the most attention catched Question No. 3: According to your opinion, what is discouraging the small and medium entreprises from joining the scheme of apprenticeship training (or dual education)? Answers were *a/ Administrative and financial complexity *b/ Uncertainity if the pupil – apprentice will stay to work with me *c/ Support of my possible competitor *d/Non-fulfillment of classes within the respective field *e/ Reluctance to cooperate from side of schools.
Based not only on answers from survey respondents, but also on subsequent Focus Group discussion after finalisation of the survey evaluation, it is clear that in the development of vocational education, as well as in relation to dual education, there is still a lot to be done, especially regarding the engagement of SMEs.
