Albanian VET System Gains Momentum at 2024 Winter School

Initial vocational education and training
23.01.2025
The 2024 Winter School, titled “Internal Mechanisms of Success: Transforming the Albanian VET System,” convened in Albania to address the evolving landscape of vocational education and training (VET). This two-day event brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, educators, and industry representatives, to explore innovative approaches to improving the quality and relevance of VET programs.

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 Winter School facilitated valuable inter-school exchange through parallel sessions. These sessions covered a wide range of topics, including:

  • Strategic Planning for Quality Improvement: Exploring strategies to enhance the quality of VET providers.
  • Private Sector Engagement: Fostering strong partnerships between vocational schools and the private sector.
  • Dynamic VET Offerings: Developing and delivering innovative and market-relevant training programs.
  • Apprenticeships: Improving the quality and effectiveness of apprenticeship programs in businesses.
  • Digitalization: Integrating digital technologies into VET curricula and training methodologies.
  • Dual VET: Exploring the implementation of dual VET systems, combining classroom learning with on-the-job training.

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.

2015 - 2027
Albania
Initial vocational education and training, Sustainable tourism
Skills for Jobs (S4J)
‘Skills for Jobs’ (S4J) is a project mandated by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented by Swisscontact Albania. It is part of the Economic Development Domain of the Swiss Cooperation Strategy for Albania (2018-2021), with specific focus on promotion of employment opportunities and skills development.