Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2013, published 103rd ILC session (2014)

Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142) - North Macedonia (Ratification: 1991)

Articles 1–5 of the Convention. Policies and programmes. Participation of the social partners. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in October 2013 in reply to its 2011 direct request. In its previous report, the Government indicated that one of the strategic priorities of the Multi-annual Operational Programme for Human Resources Development (OPHRD) 2007–13 was to increase employment through the modernization and improvement of the Employment Service Agency (ESA). The Committee notes the Government’s indication that a project for the modernization of the ESA is under way. The Government explains that every year the ESA prepares an analysis of the labour market skills needs and organizes training programmes taking into account consultations with employers, information from the local employment centres and the demands of the labour market. Training modules are prepared by the centre for vocational education and training and the centre for education for adults and are provided in educational institutes and institutions for education for adults (Article 2). The Committee takes note that one of the main goals of both of these centres is to ensure that the public interest and the interests of the social partners are harmonized and integrated in the development of the vocational education and training programmes and in the education of adults. The Committee requests the Government to provide, in its next report, further information on the policies and programmes implemented by the ESA and their contribution to the attainment of the objectives of the Convention. It also requests the Government to provide further specific information on the involvement of employers’ and workers’ organizations in the implementation of these policies and programmes. The Committee also invites the Government to provide information on the impact of the measures implemented in order to improve its vocational education and training system. Please also provide extracts of reports, studies and inquiries, and statistical data regarding training policies and programmes relating to particular areas or branches of economic activity or to specific categories of persons (Part VI of the report form).

Article 1(5). Coverage of specific categories of persons by the vocational training system. The Government indicates that beneficiaries of education or training programmes include women, young persons and vulnerable groups, including the Roma population. The Committee refers to its 2011 direct request and invites the Government to include in its next report information on the results of the measures aimed at increasing the participation of women, young persons and persons belonging to ethnic minority groups in education and training programmes.

Article 3. Extension of the vocational guidance system. The Committee refers to its previous comments and invites the Government to include information on any extension of its vocational guidance system undertaken during the period covered by the next report. It also invites the Government to specify whether vocational guidance services include information on general aspects of collective agreements and on the rights and obligations of persons concerned under the labour law. Please also supply copies of the documentation made available for vocational guidance purposes.

Article 4. Lifelong learning. In its previous report, the Government indicated that developing lifelong learning and especially supporting the establishment of a system for adult education was among the OPHRD objectives. The Committee notes that the National Agency for European Educational Programmes and Mobility in Macedonia held a presentation in July 2013 on the lifelong learning programmes which are available to all those involved in education or training. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the results of the measures aimed at developing lifelong learning and establishing a system of adult education.

[The Government is asked to reply in detail to the present comments in 2015.]