Key Features of WBL in Kosovo*
Work-based learning in Kosovo is aimed to ensure the employability of students during the education and ease the transition to the labour market. This system will enable reduction of mismatch between the education and labour market needs.
There are two types of work-based learning in Kosovo:
- WBL partially delivered by school and partially by employer.
- WBL fully delivered by employer for the schools;
The number of hours of practical training spent at employer depends on the formal curriculum. For both types in 10th (the first year of secondary education) the students are obliged to spend 20% of their time for the practical part, in the 11th grade 30% and in the 12th grade from 40%-60% depending on availability.
Work-based learning carried out partially by school and by employer is regulated by a MoU signed between school management, employer and the student. This is implemented if the schools have equipped workshops;
WBL carried out fully by the employer is implemented when the schools do not possess equipped workshops; In this cases the schools have to ensure work places for students in companies; The student, or his/her parent/tutor, needs to sign an individual contract on work-based learning with an employer, before the WBL;
The main difference between the WBL partially delivered by the school and WBL fully delivered by the employer s that in the first one the school/teacher is in charge to monitor the students while they are in the companies, while as in the second one the company instructor is in charge to instruct, monitor and assess the students. In the second type of WBL, the students receive a payment of approximately 50 euros per month from the hosting company.
