Association of Slovene Higher Vocational Colleges (Association HVC)

Who are we?

The Association HVC is a professional association of higher vocational colleges (HVCs) on the national level and the legal entity of public law. It was founded as a public institution on 20th April 2005, when the Slovene government confirmed and adopted its Establishing Act. The association functions on voluntary basis membership and includes 49 members (94 % of HVC institutions) all providing EQF level 5 as private or public providers. The Association HVC’s Mission is to promote the interests of higher vocational education in Slovenia and beyond its borders and to contribute to the progressive development of professional higher education and professional research area. Our members not only provide higher vocational education programs but also contribute to the field of applied research and professional studies as well as directly to the development of local communities and regions. The Association HVC is primarily focused on the development of policy and strategies in the field of EQF level 5 education and research with a focus on applied and professional segments. It also organises conferences, thematic seminars, roundtables, training programs, and other events for its members and all stakeholders to collect and share relevant new knowledge and information and is focused on the continuous development of leadership within member institutions.

Why we are Participating in the Project

To respond to the needs and challenges of society, students must enrich the necessary competencies that daily life requires that are beyond the average VET curriculum. When conducting that, they face challenges that prevent them from full participation in their studying process. In addition, there are also structural or institutional barriers. Many educational institutions do not have an adequate systematic approach to responding to the needs of students with fewer opportunities. The InclusiVET project addresses an aspect of the inclusion of students with fewer opportunities in VET institutions. The project intends to support educational institutions, student organizations, and VETs in Europe in the integration of student involvement in all aspects of T&L, QA, and institutional decision-making. This is the main and significant reason for us to participate in this project; to raise awareness and increase knowledge and understanding about obstacles, challenges, and opportunities for inclusive participation in vocational education and training students and to help them to enhance confident approaches to responding to the needs of students with fewer opportunities.

Our Role in the Project

Association HVC and its members have over 15 years of experience in the coordination of national and international projects. Our main role in the project InclusiVET will be to lead specifically on the development of the guidelines for inclusive engagement Action Plans in VET institutions. In January 2024 we will organize and carry out Transnational Project Meeting. We will organize and facilitate the review processes with Associate Partner supporting the entire process. On a national level, we will recruit, train and prepare student reviewers, conduct Pilot student-led reviews, and form recommendations and action plans by the pilot VET schools in Slovenia. 

Our Team