Higher vocational colleges respond promptly to labor market challenges through strong partnerships between representatives of educational institutions and the economy. With tailored study programs, in which practical training plays a key role, higher vocational colleges produce graduates who enter the labor market with high-quality practical knowledge and relevant experience. To maintain and strengthen their connection with the economy, the long-term goals of the Association of Higher Vocational Colleges are focused on:

• further strengthening cooperation with the economy,
• developing lifelong learning systems,
• involvement in the development system of small and medium-sized enterprises,
• organization and digitalization of students’ practical training in companies, and
• support and training for mentors in enterprises.

In 2018, the Association of Higher Vocational Colleges committed, by signing memoranda of further cooperation, to strengthen the triangle of students – economy – educational institutions with key stakeholders.

The memoranda were signed with:

• City Municipality of Celje
• City Municipality of Maribor
• City Municipality of Murska Sobota
• Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia
• Chamber of Craft and Small Business of Slovenia
• Association of Regional Development Agencies
• Student Organization of Slovenia
• Employment Service of Slovenia
• National Agency of the Republic of Slovenia for Quality in Higher Education (NAKVIS)
• Rete Fondazioni ITS Italy