The Transition From Education to Employment: Montenegrin Case

Abstract

As of 2012 the Government of Montenegro introduced new apprenticeships scheme dedicated to high education graduates without previous working experience, lasting for nine months, with monthly remuneration for apprentices amounting 50% of average net salary in Montenegro for previous year provided from the state budget. The scheme represents Government`s further contribution to education and professional training of youth, implemented at both public and private sectors, providing graduates with possibility to acquire practical knowledge, skills and competences and opportunity to prove their capabilities to potential employers. Over the course of years over 21.000 of high education graduates in Montenegro used the opportunities provided by the scheme, which lately is generating significantly more interest with the employers from the private sector. Given the size of the country of around 620.000 inhabitants with still high youth unemployment of 32% in 2017, it is evident what impact this initiative has had. In addition to significant input for creation of proper high education enrolment policy, processes and data stemming from the scheme implementation are also proofing to be beneficial in many different areas, such as unemployment statistics, digital skills use, recognition of education achievements, etc. Primarily created to enable youth to acquire working experience which would enable for future permanent employment, results and experience gained from the implementation of the new scheme are indicating certain areas for further improvements which, combined with other measures, could partially contribute to resolving the issue of youth unemployment in Montenegro.