About us

The Association of Higher Vocational Colleges (in Slovenian: Skupnost višjih strokovnih šol, abbreviated as Skupnost VSŠ) was established on 20 April 2005 as a community of public institutions, operating in accordance with regulations governing public institutions. Today, the Association represents, advocates for, and implements the shared interests of 49 public and private higher vocational colleges, working in collaboration with national, local, and international bodies and organizations.

Its key role is to connect higher vocational colleges with stakeholders in the fields of education, training, and the economy, while also shaping policies and implementing projects in the area of higher vocational and applied research. In this way, it directly contributes to the development of local communities and regions.

VISION AND MISSION

The Community of Higher Vocational Schools (VSŠ) is an institution that represents and advocates for higher vocational education in both the Slovenian and international context. It functions as a promotional hub for higher vocational education and organizes the exchange of information and best practices. It ensures quality connections among all stakeholders, provides professional support to its members, addresses systemic issues, organizes training and professional conferences, and promotes and supports the development and renewal of all types of higher vocational education programs with an emphasis on flexibility and specialization. It prepares, participates in, and implements development projects and, as a project office, provides support to its members.

The mission of the Community of Higher Vocational Schools is to represent the shared positions and interests of public, private, or individual higher vocational schools in Slovenia and internationally. It provides support to its members and promotes collaboration in the fields of education, training, research, and development, aiming to increase innovation and entrepreneurship. In its work, the Community of Higher Vocational Schools emphasizes and adheres to the highest quality standards.

MAIN ACTIVITIES

In its role as a hub for higher vocational education, the Association of Higher Vocational Schools (HVC) carries out the following activities:

• preparation, participation in, and implementation of (international) development projects,
• organization of events, including annual conferences, thematic seminars, and professional meetings,
• support for the development and promotion of higher vocational education.

STRATEGY OF THE ASSOCIATION OF HIGHER VOCATIONAL COLLEGES (HVC)

Higher vocational education, as part of tertiary education, plays an important and distinct role in the education system and society in general. This stems from its role in meeting labor market needs. The extensive practical training that students complete with employers allows them to become familiar with the work environment and modern technological processes during their studies, easing their transition into the labor market. At the same time, employers get to know and develop their future employees while they are still in education. >>