Members of Zavod Burja participated in Erasmus+ staff mobility for the 2024/2025 season and visited the Regional Competence Center Osijek.
In October, we visited the Regional Competence Center Osijek, which brings together several vocational schools in the region, including the Catering and Tourism School in Osijek and the Anton Horvat Vocational School in Đakovo. The center also runs various non-formal adult education programs, contributing to lifelong learning.
We were particularly interested in programs that connect the local community, cultural heritage, gastronomy, and tourism. We aim to introduce new content into our educational programs to motivate participants to engage in our international activities while implementing good practices into our educational programs.
The RCK Osijek recently completed a multi-million euro project, VirtuOS, which equipped state-of-the-art practical classrooms, connected regional education centers, and provided training for educators and participants in the fields of tourism and hospitality. This project linked the local school community and businesses, addressing the shortage of skilled workforce in tourism, a vital sector of the Croatian economy.
During our visit, we explored opportunities for collaboration in adult education, particularly focusing on non-formal programs. The goal of the study visit included cooperation with teachers and adult education leaders in developing joint programs, visits to mentors at employers, and observing examples of good practices in work-based learning. These activities were coordinated by our team members Gabrijela Baraban, Martina Leko, and the head of adult education, Lea Akšamović.
To demonstrate the cooperation between schools, institutions, and mentors at employers, we organized a practical workshop on “Sofijina Hearts” pralines for the representatives of Zavod Burja, in collaboration with colleagues from the Anton Horvat Vocational School in Đakovo. The purpose of the presentation was to showcase the production of gastronomic souvenirs, which were demonstrated by teachers Marija Katilović and Nevenka Kokalović together with the students of the 3rd K class. In addition to this workshop, the representatives also visited the eno-gastronomic facility in Trnava, where we participated in a workshop titled “Pairing Pralines and Wine,” organized by teacher Ivan Išasegi. Teacher Sanja Malević introduced us to wine diagnostics and laboratory work, which further connects the local winemaking community.
