EAfA Member Spotlight: Šolski center Škofja Loka

In this spotlight article, we highlight the initiatives and achievements of Šolski center Škofja Loka (SC Škofja Loka), the largest vocational education and training (VET) provider in the field of apprenticeships in Slovenia. We spoke with Mr Tadej Gartner, an International Project Coordinator at SC Škofja Loka, to understand how their pledge is contributing to the EAfA’s objectives and the broader VET landscape. 

Can you give us a brief overview of your pledge and which EAfA objectives it relates to? 

At SC Škofja Loka, our pledge to EAfA focuses on improving the supply, quality, and image of apprenticeships. We work with SMEs to create opportunities that meet industry needs and enhance training quality by combining school learning with on-the-job experience. 

In which fields does SC Škofja Loka offer apprenticeships? 

SC Škofja Loka operates through four units: the Secondary Schools of Mechanical and Wood Engineering, the Vocational College of Mechanical and Wood Engineering, and the Business-to-Business Training Centre. Our apprenticeship programmes focus on mechanical and wood engineering, offering training in toolmaking, machining, plumbing, car mechanics, car-body repair, and joinery. 

Each year, around 300 apprentices and adult learners (about one-third of all apprentices in Slovenia) participate in these programmes. Apprentices spend at least 50% of their training (56 weeks over three years) gaining hands-on experience with employers. 

The apprenticeship contract, signed by the apprentice, employer, and the Chamber of Craft and Small Business of Slovenia, includes a learning agreement outlining the training.  

How did you first hear about EAfA and why did you decide to submit a pledge? 

We first learned about EAfA in February 2021 during a live event on quality apprenticeships, where we shared our experiences in Slovenia. Impressed by the benefits, SC Škofja Loka joined EAfA in March 2021 and pledged to support its goals of improving the supply, quality, and image of apprenticeships at regional, national, and international levels. 

A key motivation was to enhance apprentice mobility through initiatives like Erasmus+, as international experience is crucial for development. Joining EAfA also helps us align with global trends, address local skills mismatches, and attract more apprentices. EAfA provides a valuable network for sharing best practices and improving our VET programmes, strengthening our leadership in Slovenia. 

How has EAfA membership helped SC Škofja Loka facilitate regional collaboration and partnerships across Europe? 

Joining EAfA has greatly improved our ability to collaborate regionally and across Europe. Membership has made SC Škofja Loka more visible and attractive to prospective students considering apprenticeships. Through EAfA’s online discussions and events, we’ve engaged with various stakeholders, including employers, workers’ representatives, trade unions, VET providers and local authorities. 

This engagement has led to positive outcomes, such as expanding our network, participating in collaborative projects and sharing best practices with other European VET institutions. EAfA membership has also improved our knowledge of the funding and resources available, boosted our reputation and allowed us to influence VET policy development. These benefits have strengthened our regional collaboration efforts and positioned us as a key player in the European VET landscape. 

How has SC Škofja Loka contributed to EAfA’s goals? 

SC Škofja Loka has actively supported EAfA’s goals through various activities. As Slovenia's leading VET provider, we promote EAfA online and at events like School Open Days and the annual Festival of Apprenticeships. We showcase apprenticeship benefits and success stories to students and families. 

We participate in EAfA communities on topics like mobility, social inclusion, and gender equality, contributing to discussions on the green and digital transitions. Additionally, we attend EAfA meetings, conferences, and webinars to share expertise and network with European VET providers. 

Through EU-funded projects like Erasmus+, Interreg, and Enersol, we have developed new apprenticeship models and advanced digital and green skills in our curriculum. 

How have you promoted EAfA membership to your students and staff? 

Promoting EAfA membership within our institution has been a strategic effort. We have held information sessions and workshops during events like School Open Days and Technical Days to discuss the benefits of EAfA membership. We have also incorporated EAfA initiatives into our curriculum and used internal communication channels to promote EAfA activities and achievements. 

For staff, we emphasise professional development opportunities provided by EAfA, including training programmes, workshops, and conferences. We encourage their participation in EAfA events to engage in policy discussions and exchange ideas with peers from across Europe. 

Since submitting a pledge, what activities has SC Škofja Loka undertaken to achieve the EAfA objectives in their pledge? 

Since submitting our pledge, we have worked to meet our objectives in line with EAfA’s goals. Key activities include strengthening our apprenticeship programmes, forging new partnerships with local businesses and promoting apprenticeships through awareness campaigns. 

We are committed to supporting vulnerable groups through inclusion initiatives and mentorship programmes. We also engage in policy advocacy by participating in EAfA events and collaborating with policymakers to influence the future of VET in Europe. 

Do you have any standout stories to share about apprentices who have successfully completed an apprenticeship? 

One standout story involves a student interested in blacksmithing, a trade not commonly offered as a formal apprenticeship in Slovenia. The student enrolled in our toolmaking programme, and we incorporated blacksmithing technology into their studies. This allowed them to pursue their passion while acquiring valuable skills as a toolmaker. 

Our participation in the Erasmus+ programme has enabled us to organise long-term ErasmusPRO VET mobility, where apprentices spend 90 days in different European countries. These exchanges have provided our students with enhanced skills, cultural awareness and employability. Since 2017/2018 when we started implementing apprenticeship programmes, 10 of our secondary school apprentices (4 toolmakers, 2 machinists and 4 car mechanics) have attended long-term training abroad. We have also had apprentices from the Secondary School of Wood Engineering attending short-term trainings, which last 30 days.  

Why should other organisations join EAfA and submit a pledge? 

Joining EAfA and submitting a pledge helps bridge the gap between education and the needs of businesses. Membership offers many benefits, including access to a network of like-minded organisations, funding opportunities, and the ability to influence vocational education policy across Europe. 

EAfA membership helps organisations stay current with international trends in vocational training and ensures their apprenticeship programmes meet industry needs. This improves education quality and makes it easier for companies to find skilled workers. 

Has SC Škofja Loka’s story inspired you to learn more about submitting a EAfA pledge? Find out how you can start your journey to becoming a EAfA member on our EAfA Membership and Pledges webpage.