Two focus groups were held at the Faculty of Economics of the University of Banja Luka on 19 and 20 May 2026 as part of the Erasmus+ project “Enhancing Level 5 Vocational Education Qualifications in the Western Balkans (EDU5WB)”.

The focus groups were organized with the aim of gathering relevant insights and recommendations for the development of Level 5 qualifications, with particular emphasis on labor market needs, the improvement of educational programs, and strengthening cooperation between the education sector and industry.

The first focus group was intended for representatives of the tourism and related sectors and brought together representatives of companies of various sizes, as well as tourism organizations and other relevant stakeholders from the fields of tourism and hospitality. The discussion addressed labor market needs, lacking skills, challenges in workforce development, and opportunities for improving qualifications and educational programs.

The second focus group gathered representatives of institutions, vocational secondary schools, higher education institutions, and organizations active in the field of educational development and support for training and development initiatives. Participants discussed the current state of Level 5 qualifications, institutional capacities, curriculum development, quality assurance, and regulatory challenges.

The focus groups were organized in a combined, or hybrid, format, enabling participation both in person and via the Zoom platform.

The conclusions of the focus groups will be used in the further implementation of the EDU5WB project, including the preparation of analyses and recommendations aimed at improving the vocational education system and the development of Level 5 qualifications in the Western Balkans.