Engagement in Focus Groups: Integrating Business with Education for Level 5 EQF Programs

As part of our ongoing efforts to promote stronger ties between the business community and the education system, the project team successfully organized a series of focus group discussions with key stakeholders, including representatives from small and medium enterprises (SMEs), vocational training institutions, and public authorities.

The project aims to strengthen connections between business and the education system by identifying the cultural, social, and legal barriers that make it difficult for South Adriatic SMEs to participate in European Qualifications Framework (EQF) Level 5 courses. These courses are characterized by a close cooperation of companies in designing and implementing training programs, making their involvement critical for aligning workforce skills with market needs.

During the focus groups, participants shared insights into the challenges SMEs face when engaging with vocational education and training (VET) programs and discussed actionable strategies to overcome these obstacles. The discussions highlighted a need for more flexible course formats, better awareness of EQF opportunities, and institutional support for company involvement in co-developing curricula.

These findings will be instrumental in shaping policy recommendations and developing pilot initiatives that enhance SME participation in EQF Level 5 education across the South Adriatic region.