Enhancing
Lifelong Learning

Frequently Asked Questions

Can employers enroll their employees in AE program?
Yes, employers can decide to enroll their employees in case they need new skills, or in case the employer is introducing another area of work in the company.
Can one use AE program to re-skill?
Yes, the general principal of lifelong learning revolves around the idea of constant possibility of adjustment to new needed skills in order to respond to the changing world. Therefore, if you are working somewhere but you need to learn something new, or you have left the current job and plan to look for new one, AE programmes are the right place to start.
What is the price for an AE program?
The prices of the AE programmes depend on the AE provider. Please look at the web site of the AEC – www.cov.gov.mk in order to find out the prices.
What kind of education should I have in order to enroll in AE program?
Most of the programmes are available with primary education, however each program has different entry requirements, so you need to check with the specific program that you take in consideration.
What is student centered learning?
Student-centred learning refers to opportunities for the students to lead learning activities, participate more actively in discussions, design their own learning projects, explore topics that interest them, and generally contribute to the design of their own course of study. Opposite to that is the teacher-centred learning which refers to learning situations in which the teacher asserts control over the material that students study and the ways in which they study it—i.e., when, where, how, and at what pace they learn it. In classes that would be considered teacher-centred, the teacher tends to be the most active person in the room and do most of the talking (e.g., by lecturing, demonstrating concepts, reading aloud, or issuing instructions), while students spend most of their time sitting in desks, listening, taking notes, giving brief answers to questions that the teacher asks, or completing assignments and tests. Introduction of the student centred learning in our VET schools means mora active way to studying, with better results.
What are education modules?
Modules are defined as thematic programme units in VET educational programmes. The module represents a complete unit of objectives and contents integrating professional, theoretical, practical and general knowledge. Individual modules (or several modules) can also lead to the acquisition of a national vocational qualification (system of recognition and assessment of non-formal learning) and conform to provisions governing the field. Common basic modules comprising basic professional and theoretical knowledge and generic competences in a certain field. Mandatory elective modules are determined on the basis of elective criteria and the number of modules an individual has to choose to satisfy minimum criteria for obtaining a vocational or professional title. In other words, an individual is operationally qualified to perform two or more occupational standards. Optionally elective modules are offered by schools in the open curriculum and can also entail new qualifications from a different programme or even field.
Can one enroll in University after finishing VET school?
Yes. Modularisation is intended to create routes to university from all VET qualifications.
How can I be sure that the choice that is made when one is 14 y.o is the right one for the whole life?
The introduction of modules also offers possibility to make adjustments in the process of studying. However, in order to make sure that this decision in the right one for you, you can also consult career advisor, both before you enroll as well as after (with the reforms, VET schools now have career advisors).
With certificate from VET school can I work in other countries?
Yes, the qualifications and certificates will now in line with the European Qualification Framework, which means that you can work in other countries with this certificate.
What are soft skills?
Soft skills are a synonym for "employability skills." While hard skills describe a person's technical skill set and ability to perform specific tasks, soft skills are broadly applicable across job titles and industries. It's often said that hard skills will get you an interview but you need soft skills to get, and keep, the job. In terms of education, soft skills refer to being able to adjust, being flexible, good in communication to others, adaptability – all of which are now part of the education process.
How can I be sure that what is the trend now in terms of employment will be the same when I finish VET school and am ready to look for a job?
When we look at trends, we are looking at long term, keeping in mind lots of factors. In order to be in line with the labour market, we have only developed qualifications for those jobs that have a future. So, while no one can guarantee that you will get the actual job, with the new, reformed programmes, your chances of employment increase significantly. However, you should also take in consideration your preferences / sensibilities when choosing future occupations as well.
Do all VET schools offer practical experience?
Yes, all VET qualifications include practical learning, depending on the profiles that the school offers. Some of the practical learning is in the premises of the school, while some is in the premises of employers.