Agricultural High Schools in Romania Need Stronger Ties with Agribusiness for Effective Work-Based Learning

Agricultural high schools in Romania play a vital role in training the next generation of farmers and agricultural specialists. However, one of the major challenges they face is the lack of practical training partners, limiting students’ opportunities to learn in real work environments, apply theoretical knowledge, and develop essential career skills.

According to the latest study conducted by the Romanian Centre for European Policies (CRPE) in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADR), assessing the potential for expanding work-based learning in agricultural vocational and technical education, 75% of surveyed agribusinesses are interested in becoming practice partners.

Yet, 65% of these businesses are unaware of the procedures for partnering with agricultural schools to host specialized internships or to participate in dual education programs.

The study, based on responses from nearly 800 agricultural businesses, highlights the urgent need for cooperation between the private sector and agricultural schools to better prepare students for the labor market.

Since 2015, the “Growing Through Agricultural Education” (CEA) consortium—comprised of five organizations: World Vision Romania (WVR), CRPE, Civitas Foundation for Civil Society, and Junior Achievement Romania (JA), with the support of the Romanian-American Foundation (RAF)—has contributed significantly to connecting agricultural schools with the business sector. The consortium has organized study visits to modern farms for students and teachers, created practical training models, and supported campaigns to promote agricultural education.

In addition, the consortium developed a Practice Kit, outlining key steps for organizing effective internships, and provided financial support to schools so that students could gain hands-on experience with real businesses. Vocational teachers have also benefited from training opportunities.

As part of its work, World Vision Romania has introduced the principles of sustainable agriculture and Agriculture 4.0 technologies in over 30 agricultural schools. Through Agriculture 4.0 grants, schools have been able to organize study visits to farms implementing cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices, as well as to purchase equipment for demonstration purposes.

However, these modern learning experiences must be complemented by internships on real farms and stronger ties between schools and the agribusiness sector, which is essential for developing future-ready professionals.

Key Findings from the Study:

• Lack of qualified personnel is a major issue: over 50% of surveyed businesses and nearly 45% for unqualified roles face this challenge.
• Only one-third of respondents are familiar with how to organize internships with schools, but three-quarters are willing to collaborate.
• 65% of businesses don’t know the procedure for organizing internships or engaging in dual education.
• Among the 186 companies (out of 777) not open to hosting interns, the main reasons include:
• Lack of time to dedicate to the activity (almost 50%);
• Insufficient staff to serve as internship mentors (37%);
• Lack of professional training for internship supervisors (27%);
• Perceived risks of involvement (25%).

Among businesses open to organizing internships:

• 50% could accommodate 1–2 students;
• Nearly 30% could host 3–5 students.

The main factors determining how many students a company can take include:

• Workforce needs at that time (52%);
• Students’ interest in the company (45%);
• Capacity of staff coordinating the interns (29%).

Most companies willing to host students are prepared to offer:

• Work equipment and learning materials (57%);
• Meals (one-third);
• Transport reimbursement (one-quarter);
• Stipends or compensation (20%);
• Accommodation (less than 10%).

Looking Ahead

World Vision Romania and the CEA consortium will continue to create work-based learning opportunities and facilitate communication between schools and agribusinesses.

For students to receive a complete and practical education, agricultural high schools need to become more proactive. The Foundation encourages teachers to explore local agricultural opportunities and work alongside students to map out internship possibilities.

What Qualifications Are in Demand?

The most in-demand qualification is mechanization in agriculture (46%), followed by:

• General agricultural qualifications (19%);
• Food industry skills (12%);
• Animal husbandry (8%).

CRPE will continue to support collaboration between predominantly agricultural schools and businesses that are open to organizing internships, while also helping schools transition to dual education models.