Support for Training Firms in South Eastern Europe

Economy and education have the responsibility to create a better environment for the development of the society as whole. Taking into account the rapid changes, not only in technology but in general, it is impossible to achieve progress without changing education and training. Furthermore, it is necessary to implement didactic concepts in the field of economic education. This change is supported by the ECO NET project. It gives support to young people in achieving success in the labour market. The project initiated the organization of training firms (virtual companies of students). The training firm, viewed as a concept of “a real company”, presents a didactic concept successfully implemented in nearly 40 countries worldwide. Training firms, as we know it today, were originated in Western Europe in the late 80s, due to the following reasons: • Education policy wanted a more successful integration of the most desirable qualifications in the education system, • Practice has shown the importance of learning through practical training (virtual enterprises), • The advantage of virtual enterprises as a form of practical training over the teacher-centred method The objective is to provide young people with good education and support them on their way into the business world. To achieve this, it is necessary to create conditions for the successful management of the enterprises, and for that the following values are required: courage, curiosity, a willingness to learn and to increase teamwork, and entrepreneurial spirit.

The implementation of ECO NET began in 2001 with the aim of supporting practice-oriented business education in South Eastern Europe. To the end, the training firm model was an ideal instrument. Working in a training firm promoted the ability to work in a team as well as autonomously, a sense of initiative, decision-making competence, flexibility and intercultural sensitivity, all of which are primary key qualifications in today's business world.