CroatiaThe article discusses the results of the first round of applications for enrollment in secondary schools in Croatia. Over 47,000 spots were available for approximately 38,000 eighth-grade students. Minister Ivana Pilko Čunčić noted that trends remain stable, with the majority of students applying for general gymnasium programs, followed by vocational programs related to tourism, economics, and other sectors. She mentioned that around 70% of students enroll in vocational programs, while 28% choose gymnasium programs. The number of points required for admission to gymnasiums has remained consistent. Zlatko Stić, principal of the Natural Science School Vladimir Prelog, observed increased interest in the cosmetology direction, noting higher competition compared to gymnasiums. Zoran Varga from the Croatian Chamber of Crafts highlighted the demand for skilled workers and expressed satisfaction with the growing interest in craft-related vocations. He emphasized that there is always a shortage of craftsmen on the market. Pilko Čunčić also noted positive trends toward three-year vocational programs, which students with excellent academic performance are now choosing as their first option.
Bias read (Center): The article presents balanced reporting on educational trends and vocational training, citing multiple stakeholders including the Ministry of Science, Education, and Youth, school principals, and industry representatives. It does not take a clear ideological stance but rather reports on data and the
