Secondary schools and occupations fair survey
The Administration of the City of Bijeljina – Section for Local Economic Development and European Integration, in cooperation with the citizens' association “Novi dan” (New Day) from Banja Luka and the organization “Solidar Suisse,” organized the Fifth Fair of Secondary Schools and Occupations.The transition from primary to secondary school is a significant life event, and as such, a stressful period for both children and parents. Choosing a schooland, in most cases, a future profession, is one of the first major decisions a child makes. “How to choose the right secondary school for myself? What schools and educational profiles are available?” are just some of the questions every future secondary school student asks themselves.
The education system is the most important element of the life and development infrastructure of every individual, society, and country. Its overall effect determines the scope, quality, and effectiveness of all other systems and resources, as well as the overall quality of life and development potential of both individuals and communities. Therefore, the education system must develop in a way that enables it to fulfil its role in a timely, high-quality, and efficient manner.Its mission is to educate the population in line with developmental priorities toward sustainability and respond to educational needs throughout the life course. Consequently, the education system assumes the role of a key development factor, since a well-educated population is a crucial resource for the proper utilization of natural and other inherited resources.
The Administration of the City of Bijeljina, specifically the Section for Local Economic Development and European Integration, conducted a survey to assess the current labour market situation in the Bijeljina region in relation to existing occupations offered by secondary vocational schools.Of the 54 companies that participated in the survey, 37 (68.5%) indicated that new employees must undergo additional training in order to be able to work independently. A general problem is that companies always need experienced, professional, and qualified workers, but such individuals are hard to find. Students who finish secondary school are not prepared for independent work because the practical training they receive during their education is not sufficient and does not reflect the technologies or working methods used in companies.Additionally, 31 surveyed companies (57.4%) stated that they face difficulties in finding adequate labour force, and that newly hired workers generally do not possess the required knowledge and skills, needing instead to be trained on the job. All participating companies reported issues with computer illiteracy and poor practical, even theoretical, knowledge.When asked whether they had problems finding workers with specific skills, 31 out of the 54 companies (57.4%) answered affirmatively. Furthermore, 43 companies (79.6%) stated that they plan to hire new workers within the next three years.
It is evident that there are numerous problems in the current education system that require action to be addressed and improved, particularly to ensure an effective response to the needs of the economy and to allow for timely adaptation to new demands from the labour market. In this context, priority should be given to improving the quality of education by increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of the education system.
In the long term, the Fair contributes to reducing the unemployment rate in the City of Bijeljina. Its goal is to inform final-year primary school students about all the available vocational education programs in Bijeljina’s secondary schools, and to raise awareness among students and parents about vocational occupations and employment opportunities after completing vocational education.
All six secondary schools from the Bijeljina area participated in the Fair, along with several successful companies that maintain strong cooperation with schools, primarily in the form of practical training placements. These companies also provided helpful advice and suggestions to future secondary school students concerning career planning, occupation selection, and employment.
The education system is the most important element of the life and development infrastructure of every individual, society, and country. Its overall effect determines the scope, quality, and effectiveness of all other systems and resources, as well as the overall quality of life and development potential of both individuals and communities. Therefore, the education system must develop in a way that enables it to fulfil its role in a timely, high-quality, and efficient manner.Its mission is to educate the population in line with developmental priorities toward sustainability and respond to educational needs throughout the life course. Consequently, the education system assumes the role of a key development factor, since a well-educated population is a crucial resource for the proper utilization of natural and other inherited resources.
The Administration of the City of Bijeljina, specifically the Section for Local Economic Development and European Integration, conducted a survey to assess the current labour market situation in the Bijeljina region in relation to existing occupations offered by secondary vocational schools.Of the 54 companies that participated in the survey, 37 (68.5%) indicated that new employees must undergo additional training in order to be able to work independently. A general problem is that companies always need experienced, professional, and qualified workers, but such individuals are hard to find. Students who finish secondary school are not prepared for independent work because the practical training they receive during their education is not sufficient and does not reflect the technologies or working methods used in companies.Additionally, 31 surveyed companies (57.4%) stated that they face difficulties in finding adequate labour force, and that newly hired workers generally do not possess the required knowledge and skills, needing instead to be trained on the job. All participating companies reported issues with computer illiteracy and poor practical, even theoretical, knowledge.When asked whether they had problems finding workers with specific skills, 31 out of the 54 companies (57.4%) answered affirmatively. Furthermore, 43 companies (79.6%) stated that they plan to hire new workers within the next three years.
It is evident that there are numerous problems in the current education system that require action to be addressed and improved, particularly to ensure an effective response to the needs of the economy and to allow for timely adaptation to new demands from the labour market. In this context, priority should be given to improving the quality of education by increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of the education system.
In the long term, the Fair contributes to reducing the unemployment rate in the City of Bijeljina. Its goal is to inform final-year primary school students about all the available vocational education programs in Bijeljina’s secondary schools, and to raise awareness among students and parents about vocational occupations and employment opportunities after completing vocational education.
All six secondary schools from the Bijeljina area participated in the Fair, along with several successful companies that maintain strong cooperation with schools, primarily in the form of practical training placements. These companies also provided helpful advice and suggestions to future secondary school students concerning career planning, occupation selection, and employment.
