October 8, 2024
RECONOMY Launches New Project to Bridge Skills Gap in the Trucking Industry
Belgrade, Serbia – 17 September 2024 – RECONOMY launched a new project as a result of the collaboration between Helvetas, Volvo Group, and Sweden, represented by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). The new project will address the skills gap in the heavy-duty and transport industries by providing specialized vocational education and training (VET) to young men and women in the first instance to Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Serbia. A key aspect is the collaboration with local institutions, education systems, and schools, whose active involvement and ownership are crucial for the project’s success. By integrating these stakeholders, the project ensures that the training aligns with local educational standards and needs, making it more effective and sustainable. It will not only equip local youth with the necessary skills to become proficient truck mechanics but also aims to promote gender equality and social inclusion in the industry. Sida contributes with 17.3 million SEK to the project.
The event opened with remarks from the Director of Division for Strategic Analyses, Services, and Internationalization at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, Mihailo Vesovic; the Head of the Vocational Education Training (VET) Unit at the Ministry of Education of Serbia, Radovan Zivkovic; the Head of Unit, Western Balkans and Turkey, at Sida, Maria Melbing; the Head of Development Cooperation at the Swedish Embassy, Anne-Charlotte Malm; the Director of Corporate Responsibility at Volvo Group, Johan Reiman; the Managing Director at Volvo Group Trucks Adriatic South, Dragana Krstic; and the Regional Director of Helvetas, Matthias Herr, each underscoring the project’s transformative impact on the region. The event continued with a project presentation by Paulo Rodrigues, the Program Manager of RECONOMY.
“Collaboration between the private sector and educational institutions is crucial for preparing our workforce to meet the demands of a dynamic economy,” said Mihailo Vesovic, Director of Division for Strategic Analyses, Services, and Internationalization at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia. “The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia is dedicated to supporting initiatives that bridge the gap between education and industry, enhance workforce skills, and promote mobility.”
Vesovic emphasized that fostering these partnerships is a strategic investment in the country’s economic future, creating avenues for both businesses and individuals to thrive in a competitive global market. “By nurturing these collaborations, we are not only investing in the future of our economy but also creating opportunities for businesses and individuals to excel,” he added.
Anne-Charlotte Malm, Head of Development Cooperation at the Swedish Embassy, underscored Sweden’s commitment to empowering women and young people in Serbia and the Western Balkans. Speaking on the new project, Malm highlighted the its role in equipping individuals with the skills necessary to thrive in an evolving market landscape.
“We believe it’s important to give women and young people the skills they need to succeed in a changing market,” Malm said. She emphasized that investing in education and skills development is crucial for the sustainable growth and development of Serbia and the broader Western Balkan region.
Malm also noted that this project not only supports local communities but also strengthens the ties between Sweden and Serbia. “This regional public-private development project reinforces the bilateral cooperation between Sweden and Serbia,” she stated, reflecting on the collaborative effort to promote economic development and sustainability across the region.
Dragana Krstic, Managing Director of Volvo Group Trucks Adriatic South, highlighted the company’s dedication to sustainability and its ongoing commitment to the Western Balkans. Speaking on the impact of Volvo Group’s involvement in a new project aimed at enhancing vocational training, Krstic emphasized the company’s role in driving positive change both in business and society.
“Volvo Group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of trucks, buses, construction equipment, and industrial and marine engines,” said Krstic. “We provide comprehensive solutions, including financing and service, with the mission to drive prosperity for stakeholders and society as a whole.”
Krstic views the project as a testament to Volvo Group’s successful presence in the Western Balkans over the past two decades and a significant step towards supporting sustainable development. She stressed the importance of investing in people, whom she described as the main drivers of industry transformation. “It is very important to create the right competencies and values through the educational system,” Krstic stated, underscoring the need for an education system that aligns with the evolving demands of the industry.
With declining interest in vocational schools, Krstic noted that the project would introduce modern vocational training and play a pivotal role in integrating youth and women into the local labor market. “We are very proud to be part of fostering economic development and supporting the green transition in the region,” she added, reaffirming Volvo Group’s commitment to shaping a sustainable future for the Western Balkans.
Matthias Herr, Regional Director at Helvetas, highlighted the significance of the new project, stating, “This project strengthens our partnership with Sweden and leverages the market knowledge of the Volvo Group.” He emphasized that the project aims to provide high-quality, relevant skills to the youth of the region, positioning them for success in the job market.
Herr further noted, “By equipping young people with these skills, we are not just opening up new job opportunities but also driving inclusive and green economic development.” The project focuses on integrating more efficient and greener technologies, which Herr believes will be crucial in fostering sustainable growth and empowering the next generation.
The project also includes significant investments in fostering a supportive business environment that encourages innovation and investment. This holistic approach aims at promoting the creation of more resilient and sustainable systems in the region. The project’s first phase will be implemented by the end of 2026.
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