Participation in European networks
Employees at the Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Vocational Education and Training participate in various development groups and international networks in the EU.
EQF ADVISORY GROUP
In 2008, the EQF Advisory Group was established to support the European Commission in implementing the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). The Group serves as the central forum for discussion between the Commission, Member States, and stakeholders from the fields of education and training, employment, and civil society.
Its main task is to ensure coherence and to promote transparency and trust in the referencing process.
Slovenia is represented in the Group by three members: Aleksandar Sladojević, Nataša Hafner Vojčić (both from the Ministry of Education), and Simona Kuder (CPI – Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Vocational Education and Training).
EUROPASS ADVISORY GROUP
The Europass Advisory Group is an expert group appointed by the European Commission in 2018. It is composed of representatives of the Member States and several key international organisations (including Eurochambres, ESU, EUA, and others).
Its role is to advise the European Commission on the implementation of the new Europass Decision.
Slovenia is represented in the Group by two members, appointed by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities. The Slovenian representatives are Andra Goršič (CPI – Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Vocational Education and Training) and Sabina Škarja (ESS – Employment Service of Slovenia).
The Working Group meets two to three times per year. More information about the expert group, its work, and its members is available in the European Commission’s Register of Expert Groups.
ESCO MEMBER STATES WORKING GROUP
To support the implementation and further development of the European Classification of Skills, Competences, Qualifications and Occupations (ESCO), and to ensure alignment with national classification systems in the field of employment, the European Commission established a working group composed of representatives of the Member States from the areas of employment, education, and training, as well as representatives of the European social partners.
Slovenia is represented in the ESCO Member States Working Group by the following members: Tina Cerk (member) and Katja Braš Kovačič (alternate member), both from the Employment Service of Slovenia, nominated by the Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities; and Barbara Velkov, MSc (member) from the Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Vocational Education and Training, and Aleksandar Sladojević (alternate member) from the Ministry of Education, nominated by the Ministry of Education.
WORLDSKILLS EUROPE
WorldSkills Europe is a non-profit organisation established in 2008 with the main objective of promoting vocational education and training (VET). The organisation brings together 31 European countries, including Slovenia, represented by WorldSkills Slovenia.
The flagship event of WorldSkills Europe is EuroSkills, the European championship of young professionals, where competitors from all Member countries demonstrate their vocational skills and expertise. This unique event fosters cooperation among young people, education and training institutions, industries, and governments across Europe.
Within WorldSkills Europe, WorldSkills Slovenia is represented by the following delegates:
Gregor Mohorčič, MSc (CPI) – Official Delegate
Sara Gošnak (CPI) – Technical Delegate
Tadej Bernik (CPI) – Assistant Technical Delegate
Petra Miklaužič (CPI) – Marketing and Communications
EQAVET
EQAVET was established in 2009 by the European Parliament and the Council to support the development of a common European quality assurance framework for vocational education and training (VET). The network is chaired by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL) and supported by the EQAVET Secretariat.
EQAVET operates through a bottom-up approach, encouraging Member States to assume shared responsibility for activities and decisions through the active involvement of National Reference Points (NRPs) and representatives of national ministries. Cooperation and mutual learning are the core principles that underpin the network’s work and help build a strong and sustainable foundation.
The strategic coordination and development of the network, the adaptation of its policies to national contexts, and alignment with related policy areas are overseen by the EQAVET Steering Committee.
Slovenia is represented in the EQAVET network by Aleksandra Grašič, EQAVET NRP Coordinator for Slovenia; Dr Lidija Stermecki, Deputy EQAVET NRP Coordinator (both from the Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Vocational Education and Training); and Nataša Hafner Vojčič, representative of the Ministry of Education.
