"CAREER FAIR 2025" OPENS IN BANJA LUKA

In an effort to introduce final-year students to different professions and educational programs in Banja Luka, with a focus on occupations needed in the labor market, the "Career Fair 2025" has once again been opened in Banja Luka’s Youth Center.

PHOTO: Grad Banjaluka

The two-day fair was inaugurated by the City’s Project Manager, Milada Šukalo, who emphasized that the fair is an excellent opportunity for young people to receive support in their career orientation.

"Our education system requires serious reforms, and while we wait for those reforms, we must do everything in our power to promote career guidance and align school programs with the needs of the labor market. There are many challenges in this area, and that is why we are grateful to our City Development Agency and other partners for organizing such an event," said Šukalo.

According to her, there is a shortage of vocational professions, and the existing school programs do not align with market demands.

"As a local community, we are focusing on the professions that are essential, especially in the field of construction. We have managed to maintain enrollment quotas for the Construction School. Additionally, we are working on projects to demolish the old Construction School building and construct a new one. We are also prioritizing the construction of a new High School Center, a High School Dormitory, and new buildings for the Hospitality and Agricultural Schools," emphasized Šukalo, adding that better cooperation with national institutions is also expected.

The Director of the City Development Agency, Neven Stanić, highlighted that the Career Fair is an opportunity for all high schools to present themselves to primary school graduates and their parents.

"On the first day of the fair, we held a special session for parents, giving them a chance to discuss enrollment and other topics with representatives of high schools. A new feature this year is a roundtable discussion on the second day, where representatives from high schools, the Agency, and the education sector will discuss youth entrepreneurship," said Stanić.

Saša Trivić, Vice President of the Employers’ Union, also stressed the importance of the fair, stating that only a higher quality and greater variety of professions, as well as updating outdated curricula, can meet market demands.

"Children and parents need constant guidance on what to study and train for, and salary levels play a significant role in that decision," said Trivić.

Bojana Kos, Assistant Minister for Secondary Education and Adult Education, stated that the Ministry of Education and Culture supported the organization of this important event, which will allow students to explore different career paths and professions available in Banja Luka’s high schools.

"The Regulation on Enrollment Plans for First-Year High School Students in the Upcoming School Year is currently being finalized. Once published, the 'Career Guide' application will be updated accordingly," she explained.

She also announced that two new pilot programs will be introduced in the next school year: Aviation Technician for Aircraft Engines within the mechanical engineering field and Forensic Technician, both of which have been recognized as needed professions based on expert evaluations.