ERASMUS+ MASTER 4.0

28 months, starting on 01.09.2019

Master crafts titles (qualifications) are valued and recognized within the European Union, as well as in the partner countries involved in the project: the Republic of Croatia, the Republic of Slovenia, the Republic of North Macedonia, and the Republic of Montenegro. Master crafts examinations/craftsperson examinations enable the advancement of occupations, the establishment of crafts, and the involvement of employers in the education process. Furthermore, obtaining a master crafts title represents a competitive advantage, as it emphasizes excellence and quality of products and services. The Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Slovenia have many years of experience in implementing master crafts examinations, while the Republic of North Macedonia and the Republic of Montenegro are moving in this direction. In all countries, the master crafts examination has a similar structure and consists of four parts: a practical part, a professional-theoretical part, a part covering economics and business activities, and a pedagogical part. Considering the similarities in the implementation of the master crafts examination, the partners of this project will work together to improve the quality of the master crafts examination in the partner countries. The Master 4.0 project introduces a new approach to the preparation and implementation of the master crafts examination. The aim of the project is to improve the preparation and implementation of the master crafts examination by enhancing the examination questions and programs and by introducing an online platform for the preparation and implementation of master crafts examinations. The project coordinator is the Croatian Chamber of Crafts, which implements the project in cooperation with partners from the Republic of Croatia -Algebra University College, the Chamber of Craft of Slovenia, the Chamber of Craft Skopje, the association “Srećen život”, and the Chamber of Craft of Montenegro. The project lasts 28 months and started implementation on 1 September 2019. The total amount of approved non-refundable funds is EUR 215,870.00.

Preparation of a methodological framework with guidelines for the development of master crafts examinations. 1. Preparation of examination questions and programs for master crafts examinations Republic of Croatia - examination questions for the professional-theoretical part of the examinations for the occupations of hairdresser, car service technician, and electrician. Republic of Slovenia - examination questions for the professional-theoretical part of the examinations for the occupations of carpenter, mason, and electrician. Republic of North Macedonia - examination questions for the professional-theoretical part of the examinations for the occupation of cosmetician, and examination programs for the occupations of car mechanic and baker. Republic of Montenegro - examination questions for the professional-theoretical part of the examinations for the occupation of haute couture tailor, and examination programs and examination questions for the professional-theoretical part for the occupation of photographer.

1. Design and development of an online platform • 3 parts of the platform: an open section, an exam preparation section, and an exam taking section. 2. Development of an administrative user manual for the platform and training on its use for institutions that conduct master's exams 3. Localization of the platform into the partner languages, question entry, and preparation for piloting. 4. Piloting of the online platform • Reporting on the piloting as a starting point for the further use and improvement of the online platform.

The quality of the master crafts examination will be improved through the enhancement of examination programs and questions and their alignment with current trends and technologies; Through the open section of the online platform, key information about the master crafts examination will become easily accessible to the wider public, especially to interested candidates; Organizations implementing continuous vocational education and training will be trained in the development of examination questions and programs for master crafts examinations, as well as in the implementation of master crafts examinations via an online platform, thereby increasing quality, productivity, and innovation in the provision of services to their users; By improving the master crafts examination, adult education and lifelong learning will be further promoted.

ERASMUS+ MASTER 4.1

18 months, starting on 01.10.2022

EUR 120,000

Chamber of Craft Skopje

Croatian Chamber of Crafts, Chamber of Craft of Slovenia, Algebra University College -Croatia, and the Institute of Communication Studies Skopje

The Erasmus+ Master 4.1 project is a continuation of the previous Master 4.0 project, enabling further improvements in obtaining the Master title while ensuring the quality of master crafts examinations. Master crafts examinations promote the Master title, provide a competitive advantage in the labour market, and ensure the recognition of qualifications in the project countries and the European Union.

-Methodology for the development of master crafts examination programs - Code of Conduct for master crafts examination commissions - Educational video - Webinars / training sessions for master crafts examination commissions - Marketing campaign training for chambers, implemented in all partner countries

Western Balkans for Women’s Entrepreneurship with Financial Support from the Chamber of Craft Koblenz, Germany

March 2022 -May 2024

Chamber of Craft Koblenz, Germany

Chamber of Craft Skopje, Chamber of Craft Prizren, Chamber of Craft of Albania, Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Montenegro, Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Ukraine, and the Association of Craftsmen Novi Sad

Western Balkans for Women’s Entrepreneurship with Financial Support from the Chamber of Craft Koblenz, Germany The partnership project supported professional seminars, including: - Seminars for hairdressers - Seminar for cosmeticians - Seminar on jewellery design - Seminar on design in artistic handicrafts - Seminar for mentors - Master crafts examination The project also supported training courses on skills required for running a business, including: -Training on price formation -Training on business management -Training on access to finance

ERASMUS+ JOINT MENTORSHIP - Joint Mentorship

Improving the quality of vocational education in the partner countries

Croatian Chamber of Trades and Crafts

Chamber of Craft Skopje, All-School Centre Rijeka, Reșița College, Romania, and Ghent University, Belgium

1. Improving cooperation between key stakeholders in vocational education and training (employers and schools) 2. Improving the pedagogical skills of mentors - employers in the processes of practical training Project Results: 1. Design and development of a communication platform for key stakeholders in the vocational education and training process 2. Design and preparation of e-mentor modules and a training programme 3. Marketing campaign on the role of the mentor and a video on the role and importance of the mentor in vocational education and training

The Green Way - A Partnership for Green Business

18 months, from 01.04.2023 to 30.09.2024

Centre for the Development of the Jablanica-Pčinja Region, Republic of Serbia

Chamber of Craft Skopje

EUR 60,000

The overall objective of the project is to support the development of green skills among small and medium-sized enterprises and business support organisations from Serbia and North Macedonia through transnational partnership, exchange, sharing of educational resources, and cooperation in the joint development and testing of practical methods and training for greening businesses.

1) Training of trainers/educators from business support organisations with new competences (skills, knowledge, and attitudes) and tools for greening businesses;

Improved competences of trainers/educators from business support organisations for training in the field of business greening.

Increased practical green skills of managers/owners and employees in SMEs.

Best green practices for business greening promoted and shared among the countries covered by the project.

HERcraft: Empowering Women, Enabling Success

Within the USAID-funded Business Ecosystem Strengthening Activity project

18 months, from 20.03.2024 to 20.09.2024

Chamber of Craft Skopje

USD 43,000

Research on the need to adopt a legal solution for additional work for women Timeframe: Months 1-6 (January-June 2024) Organisation of a round table among key stakeholders: State Labour Inspectorate, Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Finance Submission of two initiatives to the Government, the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, and the Ministry of Finance: the first -Proposal for reducing the grey economy in women’s entrepreneurship; the second -Proposal for initiating additional work

- A research report published and disseminated; - One round table organised to present the research findings; - Two initiatives submitted to the relevant institutions and two measures for women’s entrepreneurship proposed.

Information desk for women’s entrepreneurship with a telephone hotline and online support Workshops for women entrepreneurs on access to finance and business management Workshops for capacity building of employees

- An information desk for women’s entrepreneurship established, providing assistance to a minimum of 200 women; - Four workshops for women entrepreneurs successfully completed, with a total participation of at least 40 women; - Four capacity-building workshops for employees conducted, and training for women entrepreneurs delivered by chamber staff; - At least 15 businesses established by women.

Recording success stories of women in the crafts sector and promoting women’s entrepreneurship Open days for women’s entrepreneurship

- Two video success stories published, each achieving a minimum of 1,000 views; - Six open days for women’s entrepreneurship held, with participation of at least 170 participants and positive feedback received.

Youth Empower: Building Skills, Creating Futures -Empowering Youth by Building Skills for the Future

36 months, from 01.04.2024 to 01.04.2027

Chamber of Craft Skopje

ASME, AMPERSAND

EUR 287,988.00

The overall objective of the proposed action is to equip young people with vital vocational skills, knowledge, and perspectives, fostering their ability to actively engage in employment, self-employment, and social entrepreneurship pathways. Specific Objective of the Project 1. Preparation of activities for youth employment and social entrepreneurship 2. Preparation and delivery of capacity-building activities for civil society organisations working on skills development in vocational education and training for students in secondary vocational schools 3. Organisation of a national vocational skills competition