Higher education should become synonymous with real, applicable knowledge and skills among graduates, measured through the rapid employability of students after graduation. However, it is widely acknowledged that higher education struggles to adapt to new changes; its sluggish long-term forecasting and tendency to operate within a closed system prevent it from keeping pace with the dynamic nature of business. This is particularly evident in the preparation of highly educated workforce who possess solid academic knowledge but lack the professional skills and practical experience required in the workplace. This was also confirmed by the latest analysis conducted by the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia, in which 68% of employers stated that there is a mismatch between the supply and demand of applied skills and competencies among graduates. In order to produce talent aligned with business needs and to create conditions for retaining such talent in the country and fully utilizing its potential, changes in higher education are necessary and should be incorporated into the new Draft Law on Higher Education, emphasized Natasha Janevska, MA, Education Adviser in the Office of the President of the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia, during her appearance on TV Telma.

She underlined that the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia, as a proven and key partner in public–private dialogue in the country and as a representative of the interests of the business community — which is the ultimate absorber of graduates entering the labor market — actively participated in the drafting process of the new Law on Higher Education. The Chamber’s contribution focused on strengthening cooperation with the business community in designing study programs and on integrating practical training for students in real working environments.

Designing study programs with the participation of business representatives allows companies to clearly communicate the skills and competencies students should possess, facilitating their employment and reducing the skills mismatch between supply and demand. Furthermore, the inclusion and systematic regulation of practical training within study programs enable students to acquire practical and professional competencies, as well as to develop soft skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, and critical thinking. Through this approach, practical training becomes mandatory, encouraging students to engage in it more seriously and meaningfully.

The full interview with Natasha Janevska, MA, Education Adviser in the Office of the President of the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia, is available from her appearance on TV Telma.