’’Your Professional Partner’’ program for vocational and dual education in Alba County
About this good practice
In Alba County,vocational education has traditionally been undervalued, leading to a shortage of skilled workers in key industries such as automotive, manufacturing, and agribusiness. To address this,the Alba County Council and Alba County School Inspectorate launched Your Professional Partner in 2019,following the Alba County Strategy for Education and Vocational Training (VET) 2018.The initiative builds on the establishment of the Dual Vocational School in Alba Iulia in 2013,making the county a leader in vocational education.
Objectives and Implementation
● Strengthen school-business collaboration
● Increase enrolment in vocational and dual education
● Provide hands-on experience through internships and apprenticeships
● Improve youth employability
The programme includes:
● Career guidance sessions in schools for students in the final two years of lower secondary education
● Industry visits and job shadowing to familiarise students with workplaces
● Apprenticeships and internships
● Educational fairs and open days
● Parent-teacher engagement sessions
Main Stakeholders and Beneficiaries
VET Working Group
● Public Authorities
● Educational Institutions: The Alba County School Inspectorate, CJRAE Alba,1 Decembrie 1918 University of Alba Iulia; Vocational Schools(Alba Iulia, Abrud, Baia de Arieș, Blaj, Cugir, Ocna Mureș, Sebeș)
● Economic Sectors: Automotive,Food Industry;Ceramics;Construction,Paper Manufacturing,Wood Processing,Metal Constructions, Defence Industry.
Resources needed
Approx €300,000 annually, funded by Alba County Council and local business contributions
Human Resources: Teams of educators, career counsellors, business mentors, and industry professionals provide career guidance, organise internships, and facilitate industry partnerships.
Evidence of success
Between 2021 and 2025,student enrolment in dual education increased by 46% in Alba
County.Over 500 students annually participated in career guidance sessions/company visits. Employers report improved job readiness and practical skills, with a high employability rate among graduates. The success of vocational education initiatives in Alba County contributed to securing €26 million in funding through PNRR for the development of the Crescendo Dual Education Campus
Potential for learning or transfer
The Your Professional Partner initiative provides a scalable model for regions seeking to bridge the gap between education and employment through vocational and dual education and can be adapted by regions aiming to enhance youth employability, reduce skills mismatches, and strengthen industry readiness through targeted vocational training..
Key Success Factors
● Strong collaboration between local authorities, schools, and businesses to align education with labour market needs.
● Awareness campaigns targeting students and parents to change perceptions of vocational training.
● Practical learning opportunities, including apprenticeships and internships, to ensure hands-on skill development.
● Career counselling and industry visits to help students make informed career choices.
Further information
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.