CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Polona Virnik Karničar – Entrepreneur in Rural Tourism
In 2010, Polona Virnik Karničar took over the management of her family’s farm and decided to enrol at the Higher Vocational College of the Biotechnical Centre Naklo. Her studies inspired her to revitalise tourism and farming activities at the more than 500-year-old Šenk Homestead in Zgornje Jezersko.
She believed it was important to obtain a formal agricultural qualification before taking over the farm. Her studies provided her with new knowledge and encouraged her to rethink the farm’s business plan and future development. Through her final thesis, Tourism Development Opportunities and Directions in Jezersko, she explored the area’s tourism potential and visitor expectations, which became the foundation for developing tourism as a supplementary activity on the farm.
Maja Milovanović – Chemical Analyst at Atotech
Maja Milovanović, a graduate in Nature Conservation, chose the programme after volunteering with wildlife conservation projects abroad, where she developed a strong interest in nature conservation and a desire to build a meaningful career in the field.
During and after her studies, she established valuable professional networks and gained both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. She actively promotes environmental awareness through articles, collaborates with a range of organisations, and regularly participates in conferences on nature conservation. She continues to expand her environmental expertise and applies sustainable practices in her current role as a Chemical Analyst at Atotech.
Tina Mavrič – Project Coordinator at the European Association for the Education of Adults (EAEA), Brussels
Tina Mavrič works as a Project Coordinator at the European Association for the Education of Adults (EAEA) in Brussels, where she manages international projects involving member organisations, primarily national adult education networks, and supports partnerships at local, regional, and national levels.
She studied Nature Conservation and Horticulture at the Higher Vocational College of the Biotechnical Centre Naklo, focusing on sustainability from different perspectives, before continuing her studies in anthropology.
Tina describes her studies at BC Naklo as engaging, diverse, and strongly practice-oriented. She completed her Practical Training placements in Switzerland and Denmark, experiences that encouraged her to pursue an international career. She continues to draw upon the sustainability knowledge gained during her studies in her current work.
Ajda Michelle Kreft – Entrepreneur
Ajda Michelle Kreft founded Neapolitano, a company specialising in horse rehabilitation and training. In addition to equine training, the company offers workshops on a variety of topics and organises educational camps for children, teenagers, and adults.
She credits her studies at the Higher Vocational College of the Biotechnical Centre Naklo with helping her establish her business, particularly through the development of marketing, business, and financial plans during the programme. She was also attracted by the specialised module Horse Riding Instruction and Horse Training, which was not available at any other college.
Domen Virant – Young Farm Manager
Domen Virant is the new owner of Pr’ Ropret Farm, where he combines enthusiasm for farming with an entrepreneurial approach that enables him to respond effectively to changing market conditions.
When taking over the farm, he recognised the need for a solid foundation in agriculture, marketing, and farm management. He therefore enrolled at the Higher Vocational College of the Biotechnical Centre Naklo, where he gained both theoretical knowledge and valuable practical experience.
As he was considering converting the farm to organic production, his final thesis examined the differences between free-range and organic egg production systems, providing valuable insights for the future development of the farm.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants are eligible for admission to the Higher Vocational Study Programme if they have:
- successfully completed the General Matura, the Vocational Matura, or the Final Examination (or obtained a diploma before the introduction of the Vocational Matura) following completion of a grammar school programme, any upper secondary technical education programme (including vocational-technical education), or a vocational course; or
- passed a master craftsman, foreman, or managerial examination, have at least three years of relevant work experience, and have passed examinations in Slovene and Mathematics or a foreign language at the level prescribed for the Vocational Matura.
Applicants who have already been enrolled in a higher education programme (higher vocational education or higher education) as full-time students for a total of three years are no longer eligible to enrol as full-time students in higher vocational education. They may, however, enrol as part-time students.
DOCUMENTS
EVENTS
ABOUT US
BIOTECHNICAL CENTRE NAKLO, HIGHER VOCATIONAL COLLEGE
Strahinj 99
SI-4202 Naklo
Telephone: +386 4 277 2106, +386 70 485 353
Email: referat.visja@bc-naklo.si

The Higher Vocational College of the Biotechnical Centre Naklo offers the following Higher Vocational Study Programmes:
- Rural and Landscape Management
- Nature Conservation
- Horticulture
- Food Technology and Nutrition
These programmes provide students with both sound theoretical knowledge and practical skills in fields of strategic importance to local communities and the global economy.
The two-year programme comprises 120 ECTS credits and leads to a Level 6/1 higher vocational qualification. Alongside profession-specific knowledge, students develop competencies in entrepreneurship, business organisation, Business Communication and Leadership, professional terminology in a foreign language, and information technology.
A significant part of the programme is dedicated to Practical Training, with 400 hours each academic year completed in professional working environments. The College offers a wide range of opportunities for Practical Training on its own facilities, while students also gain valuable experience in the Green Lab Business Incubator, where they explore new technologies, participate in research and project-based work, and develop entrepreneurial ideas.
Students may also complete part of their studies or Practical Training abroad through the Erasmus+ programme, gaining valuable international experience and professional competencies that enhance their future employability.
The College’s goal is to ensure that graduates enter the labour market as confident, competent professionals.
Through its Competence and Career Centre, students receive career guidance throughout their studies and are supported in building connections with prospective employers.
Students particularly value the College’s personalised approach, experienced lecturers, fieldwork, study visits, and the flexible organisation of lectures, which enables them to combine study with part-time employment. They also appreciate the attractive natural surroundings, where they acquire the knowledge and practical skills needed for their future careers.
GALLERY
WORK-BASED LEARNING
Students have the opportunity to complete their Practical Training in a wide range of companies and organisations. At the Higher Vocational College of the Biotechnical Centre Naklo, we are committed to ensuring that students undertake their placements in high-quality professional environments where they gain valuable practical experience and develop competencies required in the workplace.
Students may arrange their own placement or receive assistance from the Practical Training Coordinator in identifying a suitable host organisation.
Practical Training placements are available in a broad range of organisations, including:
- farms and agricultural cooperatives;
- horticultural nurseries and garden centres;
- florists;
- arboretums and botanical gardens;
- beekeeping enterprises;
- public utility companies;
- nature conservation organisations;
- zoological parks;
- tourism organisations; and
- companies operating in the food industry, together with many other employers.
The Biotechnical Centre Naklo also provides an excellent environment for Practical Training on campus. Through its Green Lab Business Incubator, students undertake Practical Training in the form of individual or team-based research and entrepreneurial projects, gaining first-hand experience of innovation, project work, and business development.
Student Experience
Tadej Šinkar, Nature Conservation student
“I chose to join the Green Lab Business Incubator because it offered the opportunity to gain valuable experience in entrepreneurship and career development. My Practical Training was enriched by a variety of projects that helped me broaden my knowledge across several fields. I participated in the installation of hydroponic systems and monitored the final stages of lettuce growth trials within these systems. One of the most interesting Green Lab activities was a drone operation training course. My Practical Training at Green Lab enabled me to develop a wide range of competencies that will help me in finding employment in the future and have also given me the confidence to consider self-employment. Another great benefit was meeting new people and building lasting friendships.”
STUDY PROGRAMMES
Rural and Landscape Management
Students enrolled in the Higher Vocational Study Programme in Rural and Landscape Management develop advanced theoretical knowledge and practical skills in agriculture while gaining a comprehensive understanding of rural development and landscape management. They acquire the competencies needed to manage agricultural holdings efficiently and to ensure the quality of agricultural products.
Students may specialise in one of the following areas:
- Crop Production Management
- Plant Protection
- Animal Husbandry Management
- Rural Tourism and Sport
Graduates are awarded the professional title Agriculture and Landscape Management Technician.
Nature Conservation
The Higher Vocational Study Programme in Nature Conservation equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to protect natural assets and promote the sustainable management of natural resources.
Students may specialise in one of the following areas:
- Ecosystems
- Natural and Renewable Energy Resources
- Protected Areas
Graduates are awarded the professional title Nature Conservation Technician.
Horticulture
The Higher Vocational Study Programme in Horticulture prepares students to plan and organise the production of vegetables, ornamental herbaceous plants, shrubs, and trees. They learn to implement horticultural production technologies, plan the maintenance of green spaces, and apply the principles of horticultural and landscape design in both residential and commercial environments.
Students may specialise in one of the following areas:
- Horticultural Crop Production Technologies
- Landscape Horticulture
- Plant-Based Landscape Design
- Management of Recreational and Sports Green Spaces
Graduates are awarded the professional title Horticulture Technician.
Food Technology and Nutrition
The Higher Vocational Study Programme in Food Technology and Nutrition provides students with practical knowledge in nutrition, dietetics, gastronomy, food composition, and a wide range of food processing technologies.
Students may specialise in one of the following areas:
- Food Processing Technologies
- Nutrition, Dietetics, and Gastronomy
Graduates are awarded the professional title Food Technology and Nutrition Technician.


