Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2019, published 109th ILC session (2021)

Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142) - Montenegro (Ratification: 2006)

Formulation and implementation of education and training policies. Cooperation with the social partners. The Committee notes the adoption of the National Strategy for Employment and Human Resources Development for the period 2016–20, which aims at “creating optimal conditions for employment growth and improving human resources in Montenegro”. The Government indicates that the Strategy places priority on increasing employment, reducing unemployment, promoting the efficient functioning of the labour market, promoting social inclusion and reducing poverty. The Committee notes the various measures taken by the Government in the field of education and training to improve qualifications and competencies required by the labour market, including the activities carried out under the Action Plan for the implementation of the Lifelong Career Orientation Strategy (2017–18). The Committee requests the Government to communicate updated detailed information on the nature, content and impact of the vocational guidance and training programmes developed and implemented with the cooperation of the social partners. The Committee further requests the Government to provide information on the manner in which it ensures effective coordination between vocational guidance and vocational training policies and programmes, on the one hand, and employment and the public employment services, on the other hand. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide extracts from reports, studies and inquiries and statistical data relating to current policies and programmes of vocational guidance and training.

Article 3(1) of the Convention. Coverage by the vocational training system of groups in vulnerable situations. In its previous comments, the Committee invited the Government to submit updated information with respect to measures taken to promote the development and use of vocational skills among workers in vulnerable situations, as well as to provide information on the evaluation of such measures. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government regarding a series of training programmes seeking to promote inclusion in the labour market of persons in vulnerable situations, including: young people with no practical education, persons with disabilities and those belonging to the Roma and Egyptian population. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide up-to-date information on the nature and impact of measures taken to encourage groups of workers in vulnerable situations, such as women, workers belonging to ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, older workers and those working in the informal economy, to develop and use their vocational skills.

Article 4. Lifelong learning. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the impact of measures taken to implement adult education, training and lifelong learning reforms and to introduce employment-oriented approaches, particularly with regard to low-skilled workers and the long-term unemployed. The Committee notes that the National Strategy for Employment and Human Resources Development for the period 2016–20 establishes as one of its priorities “Improving Qualifications and Competencies Adapted to Labour Market Needs”. The Government indicates that this priority reflects the objective of promoting the participation of adults in lifelong learning. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the amendments to the Law on Vocational Education, introduced on 29 June 2017, improved the provisions related to practical education and dual education. The Committee notes a series of measures targeting “hard-to-employ” persons, as defined by the Law on Employment and Exercising of Rights from Unemployment Insurance, and long-term unemployed persons, including public work programmes, adult education and training, professional rehabilitation, training for work with employers as well as training for independent work. The Committee requests the Government to continue to report on the impact of the measures taken in relation to adult education, vocational guidance and lifelong learning, in particular measures targeting low-skilled workers and the long-term unemployed.