ECO NET in Montenegro
(2004-2005)

The Ministry of Education and Science of Montenegro perceives a great need for a reform of vocational education. Therefore the Institute for Vocational Education (VET Center) was founded in May 2003 as part of the CARDS VET Project. Through the participation of social partners in the Center's work, they are to be better integrated into the structuring of vocational education and the cooperation between schools and companies should thus be intensified.

As the promotion of small and medium-sized companies is one of the priorities of economic development, it is natural that education and training in business/economics should become more and more important. This is why the introduction of the training firms concept was warmly welcomed by the Ministry of Education.

There are seven economics schools in Montenegro at present. At two schools, one in Niksic and the other one in Berane, training firms work began in September 2004. The following training firms were founded:

Berane:
• Training firm "Planet" - sells paint, varnish; a partner firm is in prospect
• Training firm "Drvo Lux" - sells office equipment; a partner firm is in prospect

Nikisic:
• Training firm "Papirus" - Sells paper products of all kinds; a partner firm is in prospect
• Training firm "Nik Cold" - sells drinks; a partner firm is in prospect

The activities of the training companies so far include:

• Developing business ideas with students
• Selection of two business ideas for the respective school location
• Developing a logo
• Making a business plan
• Participation in the international training firms fair in Freistadt in March 2005
• Participation in the training firms fair in Zagreb in April 2005
• Study visit to Vienna

Further activities planned

• Implementation of the Service Center
• Inclusion of the future obligatory subject in the curriculum (talks with the Deputy Minister: February 2005), proposals come from the teachers
• Creation of a website for the training firms
• Compilation of a handbook for teachers in the training companies (or translation of an existing handbook)