Serbia needs 28 in-demand professions

The Office for Dual Education and the National Qualifications Framework have launched two competitions worth 48 million dinars for the allocation of grants in the 2024/2025 school year.

One competition is aimed at students enrolled in dual education for in-demand professions, while the other is for employers to subsidize part of the compensation for work-based learning for students in these profiles.

The first competition pertains to the allocation of funds to support students in dual education for in-demand professions, for which schools can apply. This will enable students to receive an additional 5,000 dinars per month from the Serbian budget for all years of schooling, in addition to the compensation for work-based learning prescribed by the Law on Dual Education, for a duration of 9 months each year. The deadline for schools to apply is October 20, 2024.

The second competition focuses on supporting employers by subsidizing part of the compensation for work-based learning that employers pay to dual education students, which will amount to up to 50% in accordance with the law. This measure will support micro and small enterprises in increasing student engagement according to their needs, thereby not only fostering the development of knowledge and skills among youth but also enabling qualitative selection for future employment candidates. The deadline for employers to apply is October 10, 2024.

The list of in-demand professions published by the Government of Serbia includes 28 professions.

In addition to bakers, butchers, shoemakers, and pastry chefs, the list of professions eligible for state assistance includes:

Technician specialized in Metallurgical Technologies
Technician specialized in Tool Production and Maintenance
Locksmith-Welder
Motor Vehicle Mechanic
Machine Cutting Operator
Industrial Mechanic
Auto Electrician
Telecommunications Network Installer
Operator of Basic Construction Works
Wall Surface Decorator
Floor Coverings Installer
Furniture Maker
Carpenter
Shop assistant
Waiter
Cook
Operator in the Food Industry
Manufacturing Worker in the Chemical Industry
Motor Vehicle Driver
Leather Goods Manufacturer
Industrial Tailor
Textile Machine Mechanic
Fashion Tailor
Vineyard Worker
At the end of 2023, the Serbian government adopted a regulation on support for dual education, i.e. support for work-based learning. Students training for in-demand professions also receive regular compensation for their internships as stipulated by the Law on Dual Education.

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