Ms. Argjentina Grazhdani, Swisscontact Albania Country Director, opened the event by acknowledging Swisscontact’s 30-year dedication in skills development and VET in Albania. The “Skills for Jobs” (S4J) project highlighted its commitment to expanding support to a wider range of vocational schools through innovative methodologies.
A key focus of the Winter School was on knowledge sharing and the transfer of successful practices. The event showcased how the Swiss model of sustainable support can be effectively implemented in the Albanian context. This included presentations on strategic planning, private sector engagement, and the development of dynamic VET offerings.
A panel discussion featuring representatives from the Embassy of Switzerland in Albania, the National Agency for Employment and Skills, and the National Agency for Education, Vocational Training and Qualifications explored the challenges and opportunities for human capital development in Albania. Experts also addressed the critical issue of implementing innovation within the VET system.
The second day of the Winter School focused on the sustainability of these innovations. The S4J team presented its third-phase approach, emphasizing the transfer of successful practices from pilot schools to the broader VET system. This involved leveraging the expertise of transfer experts from previous partner schools to support other vocational institutions.
The Winter School concluded with a strong emphasis on the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure the success of the Albanian VET system. Participants recognized the crucial role of vocational education in providing young people with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the modern workforce and contribute to the economic growth of the country.