Public consultation on 148 new vocational curricula took place from May to June 2024, marking the first step towards their adoption by the Croatian Parliament and planned introduction to VET schools in 2025.

Key features 
The curricula reform in Croatia emphasises a modular structure and skills development. This initiative replaces outdated programmes that have been in place for 30 years, introducing new qualifications, and merging existing ones to create more comprehensive qualification profiles.

First reactions to the new curricula
The public consultation generated high interest among stakeholders, particularly teachers, trade unions, and the media.
Benefits highlighted:

  • relevance to labour market: the reform aligns curricula with contemporary labour market needs;
  • inclusive development: a bottom-up approach involving teachers and school directors was applied in the process;
  • integration of theory and practice: the new curricula combine theoretical and practical learning;
  • learning outcomes: coherence across different modules is ensured;
  • prolonged specialisation: options are offered for specialisation after the first or second year of learning, enabling permeability.

Concerns raised:

  • scheduling: schools are concerned about harmonising classroom schedules to ensure a coherent sequence of modules, and balancing workload for teachers and learners;
  • impact on teachers of general education subjects: concerns were raised about job and salary impacts due to the integration of general education content into vocational modules;
  • facilities and equipment: some schools lack adequate resources for module-based teaching and work-based learning;
  • learner progression: uncertainties exist regarding progression for students who fail or miss many classes in short modules.

Balancing content and autonomy
Feedback to the concerns raised during the public consultation highlighted that the new curricula balance general and vocational content, aiming to improve skills development relevant to the labour market and higher education progression. The share of general education subjects mandatory for higher education admission has increased in the new VET curricula. Additionally, VET providers now have greater autonomy to tailor their curricula and elective modules, which could help address challenges related to general education content, and benefit both teachers and learners.

Pilot programme insights
In 2023/24, modular curricula were piloted in the first year of 10 programmes in nine VET schools across the country. In 2024/25, the piloting is continuing in 16 programmes in 13 VET schools. These schools welcomed the new approach:

  • learners: they find the modular teaching and learning dynamic and more engaging;
  • teachers: they considered it a more effective teaching method, with workload balance achieved through consistent classroom schedule planning.

Cooperation and support
Teachers have emphasised the importance of resourcefulness and creativity. Significant engagement was necessary from their side to coordinate teaching and learning, with mutual support and peer exchange being crucial. System-level support, including training and new teaching and learning resources, will continue for the next 5 years to ensure an efficient adoption period.

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