Association of teachers of chemists and technologists from schools with a chemical-technological profession "DIAGRAM"
The Association “DIAGRAM” is dedicated to enhancing the quality and reputation of chemical and technological education in North Macedonia. The organization conducts municipal, regional, and national competitions in chemistry and technology, supports teachers in their professional development, and actively contributes to the development of curricula in cooperation with relevant institutions. Through its work, “DIAGRAM” also promotes tolerance, collaboration, and inclusiveness within the education system.
The project “Innovative Young Bakers and Pastry Chefs – Masters of Specialised Food” focuses on developing practical and entrepreneurial skills among students in the food sector by actively engaging them in solving real-life challenges related to nutrition and health. The project encourages students to create innovative solutions through the production of specialised bakery and pastry products, aiming to improve dietary habits and enhance their employability.
Project Objectives
The project aims to:
– Develop students’ practical and professional skills in baking and pastry making;
– Foster entrepreneurial spirit and opportunities for self-employment;
– Improve young people’s competitiveness in the labour market;
– Promote healthy nutrition and raise public awareness;
– Encourage social inclusion by involving diverse groups of students.
As part of the project, skills competitions in the fields of baking and pastry making were organised to encourage creativity, practical application of knowledge, and interest in these professions.
School Competitions
The municipal competitions were held on 10 February 2026 in 9 vocational secondary schools across the country, involving a total of 75 students, supported by 23 mentors. Students demonstrated their practical skills through the preparation of bakery and pastry products. The best participants qualified for the regional level.
Regional Competitions
The regional competition was held in Strumica, with the participation of 29 students from 9 schools, supported by 22 mentors. Competitors prepared pastry products according to predefined criteria and standards. The most successful participants advanced to the national competition, where 8 students from 4 schools, together with 8 mentors, will compete.
The “DIAGRAM” Association implemented additional activities aimed at developing students’ entrepreneurial and professional skills. Within the project, the following activities were carried out:
– Organisation of trainings on career guidance and professional orientation;
– Facilitation of discussions and debates on entrepreneurship and innovation in the food sector;
– Practical work with students and preparation for competitions;
– Coordination with teachers and mentors from vocational schools;
– Promotion of activities and results through social media.
These activities provided added value by linking practical work with the development of entrepreneurial competences.
MASSUM - Youth Association of Secondary Vocational Schools in North Macedonia
The Youth Association of Secondary Vocational Schools in North Macedonia (MASSUM) is dedicated to supporting young people from vocational schools through the development of skills, creativity, and teamwork. The organisation complements formal education by addressing existing gaps through activities that foster self-confidence, responsibility, and practical competences among students. MASSUM also organises the largest career fair, “Educational Rendezvous”, contributing to stronger connections between students and the labour market.
The project “Skills for the Future (Skills4Future)” focuses on developing vocational and entrepreneurial skills among students from secondary vocational schools through practical activities, trainings, competitions, and cooperation with the business sector. The project contributes to improving students’ practical readiness and their employability.
Project Objectives
The project aims to:
– Develop students’ practical and entrepreneurial skills;
– Strengthen connections with the business sector;
– Increase student participation in practical activities and competitions;
– Enhance cooperation between schools and companies;
– Raise awareness of the importance of vocational education.
Within the project, school-level and regional competitions were organised for the profiles of hairdresser, beauty care technician, and furniture and interior design technician.
School Competitions
In the first phase, 152 students from 8 vocational secondary schools (hairdresser and beauty care technician profiles) and 20 students from 3 vocational secondary schools (furniture and interior design technician profile) participated. Students demonstrated their practical skills through assigned tasks and presentations.
Regional Competitions
Regional competitions for the profiles of hairdresser and beauty care technician were held between 25 and 31 March 2026 in several cities, involving 76 students from multiple vocational schools. The regional competition for the furniture and interior design technician profile took place on 6 April 2026 in Skopje, with the participation of 8 students from 3 vocational secondary schools, where they demonstrated their skills in furniture design and interior solutions in accordance with predefined criteria. Students competed in front of expert evaluation committees composed of teachers and representatives from the business sector, following established criteria. The best-performing students from the regional level advanced to the National Skills Competition, where they will represent their schools and showcase their competencies.
These activities represent a significant contribution to the promotion of vocational education, the development of practical skills, and the strengthening of the link between education and the labour market.
Within the project, MASSUM implemented activities aimed at preparing students and connecting them with the business sector.
The activities included:
– Preparation of students through practical work and mentorship support;
– Coordination with teachers and vocational schools;
– Involvement of business sector representatives in project activities;
– Organisation and participation in expert evaluation committees;
– Promotion of activities and results through public communication channels.
These activities contributed to improving the quality of practical training and strengthening links with the labour market.
Association Cultural Centre STERNA – Skopje
The Cultural Centre “STERNA” from Skopje works on promoting human rights, inclusion, and equal opportunities, with a particular focus on vulnerable and marginalized groups. The organization actively contributes to improving educational processes and developing youth skills, especially in the areas of digital competencies and employability.
The project “Empowering Youth: Preparing for Future Challenges through an Inclusive Approach” focuses on developing practical, digital, and entrepreneurial skills among vocational education students by preparing them for participation in competitions and involvement in real work processes.
The project includes students from the following profiles:
– E-commerce and Digital Marketing Technician
– Fashion Design Technician
– Students with hearing impairments (Welder profile)
The activities include training sessions, practical work placements with employers, development of digital materials, and promotion of inclusive education.
Project Objectives
The project aims to:
– Develop practical, digital, and soft skills among students;
– Improve employment and self-employment opportunities;
– Promote inclusive education, especially for students with disabilities;
– Create digital and educational learning materials;
– Strengthen cooperation between schools and employers.
As part of the project activities, STERNA successfully organized school and regional skills competitions for two educational profiles:
- E-commerce and Digital Marketing Technician
- Fashion Design Technician
The aim of the competitions was to encourage the development of practical skills, creativity, and the application of knowledge among students, as well as to strengthen the quality of vocational education.
School Competitions
In the first phase, school-level competitions were organized with participation from students from a total of 5 vocational secondary schools per profile.
– A total of 26 students from 5 schools participated in the E-commerce and Digital Marketing Technician profile;
– 25 students from 5 schools participated in the Fashion Design Technician profile.
The best-performing students from the school competitions qualified for participation at the regional level.
Regional Competitions
The regional competitions were held on March 4, 2026, at DSURC “Partenija Zografski” in Skopje.
For each profile, 10 students from 5 schools competed according to predefined criteria and standards.
The top 5 students per profile qualified for participation in the National Skills Competition, which will take place on May 12, 2026, where they will represent their schools and demonstrate their acquired competencies.
These activities represent a significant contribution to promoting vocational education and strengthening the link between education and the labor market.
Within the project, STERNA implemented several activities aimed at developing students’ digital and creative skills.
The activities included:
– Preparing students through mentoring support and practical work;
– Organizing training sessions on digital and soft skills;
– Developing inclusive digital materials for students with hearing impairments;
– Implementing internships with employers;
– Promoting participants, their projects, and achievements;
– Coordinating with teachers and mentors for student preparation;
– Organizing municipal and regional competitions with participation from multiple vocational schools;
– Promoting activities, results, and success stories through social media.
Through these activities, the project ensured strong visibility and stimulated interest in digital and creative professions.
Association of Secondary Schools Terra Phiton Animal (TFA)
The grantee Terra Phiton Animal (TFA) is a network of 10 agricultural schools in North Macedonia dedicated to improving vocational education in the fields of agriculture, forestry, and veterinary studies. The organisation actively cooperates with the Ministry of Education, the Centre for Vocational Education and Training, and industry partners to align curricula with labour market needs. TFA organises competitions, trainings, and practical activities for students and is accredited to organise national competitions in agricultural vocational fields.
The project “Horticultural Skills Competition: Creating Future Green Entrepreneurs” aims to develop a structured competition system and contribute to the modernisation of horticulture education.
The project focuses on:
– Developing students’ practical and technical skills;
– Encouraging green entrepreneurship;
– Increasing interest in horticulture as a profession;
– Preparing students for participation in national and international competitions.
The project contributes to strengthening the capacities of vocational schools and improving the quality of vocational education.
Project Objectives
The project aims to:
– Improve the quality of vocational education in the field of horticulture;
– Develop students’ practical and technical skills;
– Promote green entrepreneurship and sustainable practices;
– Prepare students for participation in national and international skills competitions;
– Strengthen the capacities of vocational schools and partner organisations.
As part of the project, multi-level skills competitions were organised—municipal and regional—to encourage creativity, practical application of knowledge, and interest in green professions.
School Competitions
Municipal competitions were implemented in several vocational secondary schools, including DSU-RCSOO “Kiro Burnaz” Kumanovo and SOU “Goce Delchev” Valandovo, with a total of 117 students participating from multiple schools. Students demonstrated their practical skills through flower arrangement and the creation of horticultural compositions, with the most successful participants qualifying for the regional level.
Regional Competitions
The regional competition was held in Strumica, at SOUUD “Dimitar Vlahov”, with a total of 16 students qualifying from several vocational schools. Students competed according to predefined criteria and standards, demonstrating creativity and technical precision in creating horticultural arrangements. The top 4 students were selected as the most successful and advanced to the national level.
These activities represent a significant contribution to improving vocational education in horticulture, fostering practical skills, and encouraging the development of entrepreneurial spirit among young people.
Terra Phiton Animal implemented activities focused on developing green skills and supporting students in the field of horticulture. Within the project, the following activities were carried out:
– Preparation of students through practical work and mentorship support;
– Coordination with vocational schools and teachers;
– Practical activities for developing horticultural skills;
– Promotion of activities and results through social media;
– Sharing visual materials showcasing activities and student achievements.
These activities contributed to increasing interest in green professions and strengthening practical competences.
Association of Teachers of Vocational Subjects and Management Staff from Electrical, Mechanical and Transport Schools of the Republic of North Macedonia
The Association of Teachers of Vocational Subjects and Management Staff from Electrical, Mechanical and Transport Schools in North Macedonia (ZEMSU) is a non-profit organization that brings together teachers and management staff from 29 vocational secondary schools across the country.
As a grantee within the project “Empowering Youth – Building Skills, Creating Futures”, ZEMSU actively contributes to improving the quality of vocational education by strengthening cooperation between schools and institutions, as well as through the organization of skills competitions.
Within the project “Encouraging Practical and Professional Skills among Students for Skills Competitions in the Spirit of EuroSkills”, ZEMSU implemented activities aimed at developing students’ vocational skills in the fields of electrical engineering and mechanical engineering.
The project contributes to improving students’ practical preparedness and aligning their skills with labor market needs.
Project Objectives
The project aims to:
– Develop practical and technical skills among students;
– Encourage participation in skills competitions;
– Strengthen cooperation between schools and institutions;
– Improve connections with the business sector;
– Promote technical professions among young people.
Within the project, municipal and regional competitions were organized across several technical fields.
School Competitions
The municipal competitions were held in the period February 2–10, 2026, with participation from: 197 students from 22 vocational secondary schools, 100 teacher and 10 companies.
The competitions covered 8 vocational profiles:
– Electrical Technician for Computer Technology and Automation;
– Electrical Power Technician;
– Auto Mechanic;
– Auto Electrician;
– Electrical Technician;
– Motor and Motor Vehicle Installer;
– Bodywork Mechanic;
– Welder.
The best-performing students from this level qualified for participation in the regional competitions.
Regional Competitions
The regional competitions were held on March 13, 2026, across 4 regions in the country.
In this phase participated 72 students from 22 vocational. Competitions were conducted according to predefined criteria and standards. Around 100 teachers and 10 companies were also present.
Students who achieved first place qualified for the National Skills Competition, which will take place on May 11–12, 2026, where they will represent their schools and demonstrate their competencies.
These activities represent a significant contribution to the development of vocational education, strengthening practical training, and improving alignment with labor market needs.
ZEMSU implemented activities focused on coordination, preparation, and improving the quality of vocational education in technical fields.
Within the project, the following activities were carried out:
– Engagement of teachers and mentors in the preparation and implementation of activities;
– Cooperation with relevant institutions and companies;
– Promotion of activities and results through public communication;
– Implementation of online trainings on occupational health and safety, organized by regions;
– Communication with institutions and vocational schools to improve the quality of competitions;
– Organization and implementation of municipal competitions in electrical and mechanical sectors;
– Coordination between vocational schools and teaching staff for student preparation for regional competitions.
These activities contributed to strengthening cooperation between schools and institutions.