Work-Based Learning in South-East Europe: Example of a Learning Factory Industry 4.0 in Croatia

Abstract

With increasing competitiveness, the demand for organization-wide competence development, in smart manufacturing, and thus innovative (up-)skilling programs have been gaining interest. The pace of digital transformation in manufacturing, including emerging ways of work, further reinforces attention on innovative education and training measures. To cope with these challenges, professional education institutions need to critically assess the current state of training programs, identify demands, requirements, and potentials for tailor-made solutions. Therefore, work-based learning (WBL), i.e., learning in the process of work, has been gaining recognition for its potential for increasing learning effectiveness, thus productivity of the workforce. Notably, manufacturing industry in South-East Europe (SEE) is challenged to achieve even higher than average growth to establish sustainable wealth and close gaps to EU markets. Additionally, there are national differences in SEE that need to be considered. For instance, Croatia has been under rapid transformation since becoming an EU member (2013) and subsequently emerging competition on labor and sales markets. Yet, particular relevance and importance of WBL for manufacturing industries in SEE need to be investigated. This paper discusses why WBL is important to SEE region, and analyzes the state of WBL in Croatia, as an example taken from the region. It provides examples of different WBL programs established in Croatia. In particular, the technical specification and didactical concepts, i.e., blended and hybrid approaches, of the newly established Smart Factory, including its training curriculum towards WBL, are presented. Finally, recommendations for improving WBL in Croatia and SEE by means of learning factories are provided.