Net4VET: New Platform Connecting the Western Balkans VET and Business Community

The Regional Challenge Fund (RCF) has officially launched Net4VET, an innovative online platform designed to strengthen the vocational education and training (VET) ecosystem in the Western Balkans. The platform was recently presented to RCF grantees, who were invited to create and complete their profiles, marking the beginning of a collaborative journey to enhance VET across the region.

With the Net4VET, the RCF aims to foster collaboration and innovation in VET, ultimately contributing to a more skilled and competitive workforce in the region. It should bring together enterprises, VET providers, and policymakers to drive workforce development, enhance skills, and boost business competitiveness.

RCF grantees have been invited to actively participate in Net4VET by completing their project profiles, sharing their experiences, and engaging with the wider VET community.

“This platform empowers you to showcase your partnerships, areas of expertise, results, and products. You can connect, collaborate, and access innovative training models, best practices, and valuable resources to develop a skilled workforce that meets the evolving demands of the Western Balkans as it integrates into the EU single market”, said Jelena Manic Radoicic, Deputy Team Leader in the online launching event.

The RCF believes that the Net4VET will soon prove to be an invaluable resource for the whole VET community in the Western Balkans. In addition to knowledge-sharing and networking tools, the platform will serve as an online event venue for different webinars and trainings.

Key Platform Features

Net4VET offers a dynamic space for VET providers, businesses, and stakeholders to connect, share knowledge, and access valuable resources. Key features of the platform include:

• Interactive Map: A tool to explore and connect with VET institutions and businesses across the Western Balkans. Map features RCF-supported project profiles  to present the RCF grantees – vocational training institutions and partnering enterprises, their cooperative training programs, and achievements.
• Knowledge Hub: A comprehensive library of best practices and case studies, legislation, strategies and guidelines, and funding opportunities.
• Hot Topics: Articles that explore emerging technologies, best practices, and success stories, offer analises of current trends in VET, and interviews with VET and HR professionals.
• Events page: A calendar announcing upcoming VET events, webinars, and workshops available exclusively to Net4VET members.

Net4VET Offers Benefits to All VET Stakeholders

For businesses, VET institutions, the donor community, or a policymakers, the Net4VET represents a useful tool for their everyday operations and offers a few solutions for their long-term needs.

For Businesses:

• Talent Acquisition: Finding skilled employees and directly contacting with VET providers and trainees.
• Networking: Expanding professional network by connecting with VET providers and other key stakeholders.
• Access to Resources: Access to a rich collection of VET resources, industry news, and upcoming events.

For Vocational Education and Training Institutes:

• Knowledge: Discovering best practices and the latest trends in VET. Net4VET provides a platform for sharing knowledge and learning from the experiences of others.
• Networking: Building connections with VET providers, companies, and other stakeholders and collaborating on innovative projects to create new opportunities for students.
• Access to Resources: Access to valuable VET resources, funding opportunities, and information on upcoming events.

For Donors and Policymakers:

• Western Balkans VET Landscape: A comprehensive overview of the VET development trends in the region.
• Policy Networking: Connecting and sharing with VET professionals on key policy issues.
• Optimizing VET Financing: Access to valuable data and insights to guide evidence-based investments in VET to ensure that resources are allocated effectively and contribute to the growth and development of the VET sector.

“We are excited to see the platform grow and evolve with the active participation of its users,” concluded Manic Radoicic.

Net4VET is now live and accessible to all VET stakeholders in the Western Balkans.

To learn more about Net4VET and explore its features, visit wb6net4vet.net.