Proposals for Better Aligning Vocational and Technical Education with Labor Market

Proposals for Better Aligning Vocational and Technical Education with Labor Market

In the current context of vocational and technical education (VTE), it is essential that this educational sector is better aligned with the needs of the labor market to effectively respond to today’s economic and social challenges. Given the significant role of SMEs in the Romanian economy—particularly in agriculture—and the pressing need for a well-trained workforce that meets market demands, both legislative and executive measures are necessary to support students and economic actors alike.

CRPE and HEKS/EPER Foundation Romania have compiled a set of recommendations highlighting the need to clarify the transition to dual education, increase financial support for organizing internships, and modernize educational infrastructure. These steps are essential for a more efficient integration of young talent into the labor market.

Our Recommendations for Improving the Connection between VTE and the Labor Market:

1. Clarify the transition methodology to a fully dual education system, ensuring consultation with schools and businesses. Field insights indicate strong support for maintaining the vocational school option and level 3 qualifications.
2. Increase per-student funding for both technological high schools and vocational/dual education programs, including a clearly defined amount dedicated to organizing internships. This would ensure quality training and better employment prospects for students who choose these educational paths.
3. Allow VTE schools to use income from economic activities for educational purposes, such as financing specialized practical training.
4. Support the accreditation of existing vocational schools for level 4 qualifications through EU or national funding.
5. Ensure implementation (or better dissemination, if already available) of fiscal incentives for companies involved in student internships, such as income tax exemptions for tutors and students employed by economic operators (Art. 43, para. 2 and 3 of Law 198/2023). Motivating companies to engage in partnerships with VTE schools is crucial. One additional incentive could be awarding bonus points in EU funding applications to companies offering internships—especially relevant in agriculture.
6. Lower the minimum number of students required to organize internships, allowing smaller employers to participate—particularly important in the agricultural sector, where SMEs dominate.
7. Introduce a minimum number of mandatory school counseling and career guidance hours, both in lower and upper secondary education, to support informed educational and career decisions.
8. Adopt legislative measures to enable VTE schools to provide adult education and training in various trades and qualifications.
9. Support the modernization of dormitories and school canteens in VTE schools by prioritizing access to unspent funds from regional operational programs.
10. Accelerate the development and implementation of a national strategy to promote VTE, possibly through European funding (e.g., PEO). A real shift in public perception and the attractiveness of vocational education requires coherent communication and a well-structured promotional campaign.

In conclusion, aligning vocational education with labor market needs requires a coherent and integrated approach that supports both VTE schools and economic actors. These proposals—from clarifying the transition to dual education to increased financial support for internships—are essential to improving the relevance of education for today’s labor market.

The full document is available (in Romanian) here: