Both employers and students are satisfied: They learn, earn, and get tips

Arsim Kurteši is a student in the first grade of "Ivan Uskoković" SSŠ in Podgorica.

He is one of five children in the family. He is the oldest and at the age of 16 he is already earning.

Every Monday, he works at the "Šahović" car service in Konik.

"I'm at work from eight in the morning on Mondays. I usually work until 14 pm, and sometimes I stay longer. I stay longer because I want to learn the trade as soon as possible. I watch how the old mechanics, my instructors work," Arsim told "Vijesti".

Arsim receives compensation of 100 euros for his working Monday, because he is in the dual education program.

"It means a lot to me. I can afford my sisters and myself some little things, which we wouldn't otherwise have," he says.

He promises that he will try to learn the trade as well as possible:

"I've wanted to be a car mechanic since the first grade of elementary school. I hope I'll make it come true."

Dual education was introduced into the education system by regulations from 2002. School year 2004/2005. the first generation of students enrolled in dual education, hairdresser and car mechanic programs. Enrollment was discontinued in the academic year 2008/2009. year, because there was not enough interest from employers.

However, this year it was started again, and the interest of both students and employers is huge. The Ministry of Education previously announced that 184 first-grade students, 95 second-grade students, and six third-grade students applied for the program, and that more than 100 registered employers passed the screening.

These are the professions of baker, hairdresser, car mechanic, car electrician, precious metal worker, cook, waiter, welder, telecommunications system fitter, salesperson, installer of sanitary devices, heating and air conditioning, welder and locksmith.

Students in the first grade are with the employer for one day, in the second grade for two days and in the third grade for three days.

Fees are provided by the Ministry for the first two years, and by the employer for the third.

The Ministry and the Chamber of Commerce also provided scholarships of 70 euros for the best students of these profiles.

Jovan Preočanin works in the "Radulović" car service.

"I've loved that job since I was little. Dad was a car mechanic, I learned a lot with him. Even now I have good instructors and I often ask them to stay longer than planned. The effort does not go unrewarded, I often get tips," with a smile says John.

On Mondays, Luka Vukčević "steals" a trade at the company "7. avgust". Luka receives both a fee and a scholarship.

"Which means a lot to me. I help my family, and I also have something for myself."

He believes that one day of practice is not enough: "I would like to work more often. I would learn sooner".

His namesake, Luka Petrović, is never bored with his employer.

He works at "Frigo Vujović" and is often on the field.

"Installer was not my first choice. I also wanted to be a car mechanic. But I don't regret that I didn't. I'm often with the master in the field, I help him, it's never boring," he says.

The director of SSŠ "Ivan Uskoković" Žarko Borovinić points out that the employers recognized the good staff and the students' desire to learn.

"And the best way to learn is through practical classes. The school is there for the theoretical part, but we cannot have constant new problems that need to be solved in a short period of time," explains Professor Borovinić.

Employers shape them according to their own measure

Another advantage of the dual system, he says, is that the employer can shape the staff according to his needs in time.

"There are those who do not show a high level of knowledge in certain subjects at school, but the employers highly praise them," Borovinić points out.

He adds that every beginning has its own challenges.

"We are all still getting used to it, we are learning as we go. We have a school coordinator who is in constant contact with the instructors at the employer, i.e. the mentors of the pupils. So we know at all times how they work and how they behave, Professor Borovinić explained.

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