CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
At the Higher Vocational College, we regularly monitor the employment prospects of our graduates. Through graduate surveys, which are typically conducted every two years, we consistently observe that graduates from our technical study programmes (all seven programmes offered on a full-time basis) secure employment almost immediately after graduation. Owing to the strong practical orientation of the programmes, graduates are highly employable. According to the latest data, 94.3% of graduates found employment within one year of graduation.
The demand for graduates with these qualifications is also reflected in employers’ recruitment needs, as reported to the Employment Service of Slovenia through its labour market forecasting survey (Employment Forecast). Over the past decade, these professions have consistently ranked among the most sought-after occupations by employers.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants may enrol in the first year if they have:
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successfully completed the General Matura or the Vocational Matura (or the Final Examination or an equivalent diploma obtained before 2002);
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successfully passed the Master Craftsman, Foreman, or Managerial Examination, have three years of relevant work experience, and have passed the examinations in Slovene and Mathematics or a foreign language at the level required for the Vocational Matura.
DOCUMENTS
EVENTS
ABOUT US
School Centre Novo mesto, Higher Vocational College
Šegova ulica 112
8000 Novo mesto
Slovenia
Email: vss@sc-nm.si
Website: www.sc-nm.si/vss
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vss.solski.center.nm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visjanm/
The Higher Vocational College at the School Centre Novo mesto was established in 1996 at the initiative of the business sector. Over more than twenty years of operation, it has developed into the largest Higher Vocational College in Slovenia, with 3,153 graduates by July 2022.
The College offers eight Higher Vocational Study Programmes: Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Informatics, Cosmetology, Wood Technology, Logistics Engineering, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, and Environmental Protection and Municipal Services. All programmes combine theoretical study with Practical Training provided by employers. Practical Training accounts for 40% of the organised study programme. The curricula are based on the needs of industry and the service sector, ensuring graduates achieve a high level of employability.
The College’s lecturers are highly qualified professionals, with approximately half of them employed in leading companies such as Krka, TPV, Akrapovič, Revoz, Kolpa, and Jelovica. The close cooperation between the College and industry is also reflected in joint projects, professional study visits, and the preparation of seminar papers and diploma projects that address real-life challenges encountered in the workplace.
The College provides excellent learning facilities and infrastructure. Modern laboratories are available for all study programmes. As high-quality, practical knowledge and student satisfaction are key priorities, the College has established e-learning classrooms where students have access to study guidelines, literature, and all other learning materials required during their studies. To systematically monitor and support student success, a mentoring (tutoring) system has been introduced, whereby each year group in every study programme is assigned a lecturer as a mentor.
Through its participation in international exchange programmes, the Higher Vocational College promotes the mobility of students, lecturers, and staff, while also enabling participation in international projects.
Programme presentations:
Electrical Engineering: https://www.sc-nm.si/vss/programi/elektrotehnika/epredstavitev-programa-elektrotehnika
Computer Science and Informatics: https://www.sc-nm.si/vss/programi/informatika_2/epredstavitev-programa-informatika
Cosmetology: https://www.sc-nm.si/vss/programi/kozmetika/epredstavitev-programa-kozmetika
Wood Technology: https://www.sc-nm.si/vss/programi/lesarstvo/epredstavitev-programa-lesarstvo
Logistics Engineering: https://www.sc-nm.si/vss/programi/logisticno-inzenirstvo/epredstavitev-programa-logisticno-inzenirstvo–novo-v-studij
Mechatronics: https://www.sc-nm.si/vss/programi/mehatronika/video-predstavitev-studijskega-programa-mehatronika
Mechanical Engineering: https://www.sc-nm.si/vss/programi/strojnistvo/epredstavitev-programa-strojnistvo
Environmental Protection and Municipal Services: https://www.sc-nm.si/vss/programi/varstvo-okolja-in-komunala/epredstavitev-programa-varstvo-okolja-in-komunala
WORK-BASED LEARNING
During Practical Training, which is compulsory at all Higher Vocational Colleges and comprises 800 hours, representing 40% of the study programme, students are introduced to professional work under the close guidance of a workplace mentor. Mentors, who have many years of professional experience in their respective fields, transfer valuable knowledge and practical skills to students while supporting their personal and career development. Mentoring is based on experiential learning and represents one of the key advantages of Higher Vocational Education, as it enables students to become thoroughly familiar with the professional tasks they will perform upon entering the labour market.
Further information is available from the Practical Training Coordinator at the Higher Vocational College or at: https://www.sc-nm.si/vss/studij/prakticno-izobrazevanje.
STUDY PROGRAMMES
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
The Higher Vocational Study Programme in Electrical Engineering is based on knowledge of technologies across various fields of electrical engineering. Students acquire both generic and profession-specific competences while developing confidence, determination, and professionalism in solving engineering challenges. During their studies, they learn to solve practical problems in electrical engineering, process automation, and the management of systems for energy efficiency and renewable energy sources, drawing on knowledge of electrical engineering, control and regulation, electronic device design, and problem-solving in accordance with safety, ecological, and environmental requirements. Students also learn to apply relevant legislation, standards, technical regulations, certification procedures, and quality assurance systems in electrical engineering, as well as to use the tools, equipment, and instruments required in the profession.
COMPUTER SCIENCE AND INFORMATICS
The Higher Vocational Study Programme in Computer Science and Informatics offers various educational modules, providing career opportunities in both the private and the public sectors. Upon successful completion of the programme, graduates obtain a Higher Vocational qualification and the professional title Computer Science and Informatics Technician. The programme provides students with the fundamental and practical knowledge required for professional work, in accordance with the latest international standards in the field.
The programme focuses primarily on innovative technologies, the planning and design of information systems, software and hardware administration, the use of software tools, information and computer systems security, website development, and programming. In addition to raising their qualification level, the programme supports students’ personal and professional development, as today’s information society has a strong demand for engineers with practical expertise in this field.
COSMETOLOGY
The programme is based on contemporary knowledge in the fields of cosmetology and wellness, enabling graduates to meet the high expectations of clients. Students acquire broad theoretical and practical knowledge for professional work in cosmetology and wellness. They deepen their understanding of skin structure, learn to recognise pathological conditions and diagnose cosmetic concerns, and become familiar with the composition, application, and preparation of cosmetic products. They are trained to independently plan and perform facial and body treatments using appropriate cosmetic products and advanced equipment such as IPL, radiofrequency, and ultrasound lipolysis devices. Students also learn make-up and manicure techniques, professional communication with clients, work organisation, client consultation, healthy lifestyles, entrepreneurship, marketing, and service quality.
According to their interests, students choose one elective module in the second year. In the Special Pedicure module, they acquire knowledge of advanced pedicure techniques, including the treatment of ingrown toenails, nail braces, and nail prosthetics, while gaining practical experience with diabetic clients experiencing foot problems. In the Massage Techniques module, students develop skills in reflexology, including foot and hand reflexology related to dental health, as well as alternative massage techniques with a focus on Ayurveda, Ayurvedic massage, Indian head massage, and hot stone and shell massage. The Aromatherapy module introduces the use of essential oils and aroma cosmetics, while the Healthy Lifestyle module focuses on physical activity, healthy nutrition, mental wellbeing, and relaxation, enabling students to advise clients on healthy living.
WOOD TECHNOLOGY
The Higher Vocational Study Programme in Wood Technology is based on knowledge of technologies across various areas of the wood industry. Students acquire both generic and profession-specific competences while developing confidence, determination, and professionalism in solving technical problems. They learn to independently prepare work schedules, organise activities efficiently, and plan, organise, and manage technological processes related to wood processing, manufacturing, and utilisation. Graduates are able to ensure the quality of work processes, inspect products, and promote the efficient use of energy, materials, and time.
Within the compulsory part of the curriculum, students gain competences in the fundamentals of wood technology, work organisation, business communication, economics, entrepreneurship, marketing, and information technology. These subjects foster entrepreneurial thinking and develop competences required for managing administrative processes related to work organisation and the maintenance of equipment and facilities.
The elective modules enable students to develop advanced knowledge in specialised fields. The Primary Processing and Timber Construction module focuses on energy technologies in wood processing and the design and construction of timber structures. The Final Processing module develops advanced knowledge of computer-aided product design and artistic woodworking.
LOGISTICS ENGINEERING
The Slovenian economy operates within a global business environment in which logistics plays a key organisational and intermediary role between the supply of raw materials, products, semi-finished goods, and freight transport services. Planning logistics activities, responding rapidly to supply chain disruptions, and adapting to changing demands require modern professional, organisational, and technical knowledge, skills, and competences that students acquire through the Higher Vocational Study Programme in Logistics Engineering.
The work of a logistics engineer is increasingly complex and interdisciplinary, encompassing communication, digital literacy, creativity and innovation, logistics process organisation, material and information flow management, supply chain management, distribution planning, business management, transport safety, and more. Owing to rapid technological development and digitalisation, logistics engineers must understand production supply processes, warehouse organisation, transport planning, and the use of modern technologies and automation. They develop analytical thinking, planning, and decision-making skills while taking into account efficiency, sustainability, and safety in logistics solutions.
MECHATRONICS
The Higher Vocational Study Programme in Mechatronics builds upon theoretical and practical knowledge previously acquired in programmes such as Mechatronics Technician, Mechanical Engineering Technician, Computer Technician, and Electrical Engineering Technician. Mechatronics combines the fields of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and information technology. As automation continues to expand, mechatronics has become one of Europe’s most promising engineering disciplines. Modern industrial systems increasingly integrate mechanical, electronic, and information technologies, making mechatronics essential for contemporary manufacturing. The programme prepares graduates for immediate professional practice by developing competences in the analysis, planning, organisation, optimisation, diagnostics, and management of production systems, while also emphasising communication, teamwork, quality assurance, occupational safety, and environmental protection.
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
The programme enables graduates to acquire profession-specific competences in mechanical engineering. The compulsory curriculum includes modern knowledge of materials, manufacturing technologies, product design, information technology, economics, communication, and project management. Elective modules provide advanced knowledge in specialised areas. The Energy Engineering module focuses on the design and operation of energy systems. The Automation module develops competences in planning and implementing automated production processes. The Maintenance module addresses the efficient maintenance of machinery and equipment, while the Toolmaking module covers tool design, standard tool components, and their technological and economic characteristics. The Production module develops competences in production planning, work organisation, and production management.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Environmental Protection is a broad and rapidly developing professional field, making the Higher Vocational programme both dynamic and engaging. In addition to lectures, the programme includes practical classes, laboratory work in a modern laboratory, field exercises, and professional study visits. The programme focuses on systems, facilities, and infrastructure essential for environmental protection and sustainable living. Laboratory work includes physical, chemical, and biological analyses of water, air, and soil, while field exercises involve environmental sampling, measurements, remediation assessment, and visits to facilities such as water treatment plants, wastewater treatment plants, landfills, and construction sites. Study visits further enhance the knowledge gained through lectures and practical work. The curriculum combines natural sciences, economics, legislation, and communication, with a professional focus on drinking water, wastewater, and waste management.
The compulsory curriculum consists of the modules Communication, Natural Sciences, Environmental Utility Systems, and Legislation and Economics. In the second year, students may choose between elective subjects and modules, allowing the programme to respond to labour market needs and student interests. Elective content accounts for 45% of the curriculum.
CURRICULA
