Foundations for Success: Empowering Adults through essential Skills implemented by the Center for Competitive Skills in cooperation with the Municipality of Tirana is within the framework of the EU project on Labour Market Inclusion funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP Albania, the Swedish Public Employment Service and the Albanian Foundation for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (FSHDPAK) in partnership with the National Agency for Employment and Skills.

Project purpose

To empower individuals who face difficulties in entering the labor market, by providing them with tailored training for the development of basic skills and support for further inclusion in education, vocational training and employment.

Period: March 2025 – May 2026 (15 months)

Groups benefiting from the project

• NEET youth (15-29 years old, not in employment, education or training): 115 people (80 in Tirana and 35 in Shkodra)
• Unemployed young mothers: 20 people (14 in Tirana and 6 in Shkodra)
• Beneficiaries of economic aid: 60 people (42 in Tirana and 18 in Shkodra)
• Persons with disabilities (PWD): 5 people (4 in Tirana and 1 in Shkodra)

Number of beneficiaries: 200 people (140 in Tirana and 60 in Shkodra)

What does the project offer?

• Training in basic literacy, mathematics and digital skills
• Psychosocial support and individual counseling
• Workshop for developing soft skills
• Career guidance and assistance with enrollment in part-time education and transition to the labor market

Expected results

• 200 beneficiaries will receive psychosocial support and career guidance, of which 140 in Tirana and 60 in Shkodra.
• 200 beneficiaries will complete basic skills training (140 in Tirana and 60 in Shkodra)
• national model will be prepared that can be replicated in other cities in Albania.
• Enrollment in part-time basic education will be encouraged for those who have the potential to continue their education.
• Participants are expected to engage in vocational training or enter the job market within 6 months of completing the program, as a result of the improved skills and self-confidence gained during the project.

Why is this project important?

Albania is facing a high level of youth out of education and employment. This project directly addresses the lack of basic skills, self-confidence and orientation for a more secure professional future. It also creates bridges of cooperation between local and central institutions, with the aim of building a sustainable and appropriate model for communities in need.

How will it be accomplished?

The project implementation will take place in three training cycles , each lasting three to four months . Participants will be divided into small groups of 10-14 people (about 6 groups/cycle), enabling a more focused learning process and tailored to individual needs. The trainings, based on the SCUL program , will be held three times a week in community spaces in Tirana and Shkodra, offering an accessible and inclusive environment. To strengthen the learning process and increase flexibility, the trainings will be complemented by distance learning through the SchoolMe digital platform , which allows participants to continue their development even outside of training hours.

initially assessed to determine their level in reading, mathematics and technology, and then will follow a program tailored to their needs. In parallel, psychosocial counseling and career guidance sessions will be offered , led by trained psychologists and mentors, to address emotional barriers and help participants build a realistic plan towards education or employment.

This approach aims not only to improve the employability and social inclusion of beneficiaries, but also to strengthen the capacities of local and central institutions to support these groups in a sustainable and repeatable manner.

June 19, 2025

Transnational Workshop of the INTERCLUSTER Project Successfully Held Online

On Wednesday, 19 June 2025, partners and stakeholders from across the Adriatic-Ionian region came together online for a Transnational Workshop organized within the framework of the INTERCLUSTER project, which is co-funded by the Interreg IPA ADRION 2021–2027 Programme and supported by various regional stakeholders.

The event, hosted by the Slovenian Logistic Association, provided a platform for cross-border dialogue on modernizing the logistics sector and laying the groundwork for a new Smart & Sustainable Macro-Regional Cluster.

The workshop began with a welcoming speech and agenda presentation by the Slovenian Logistics Association, followed by a round of self-introductions from all participants. A concise presentation of the INTERCLUSTER project was delivered by the Preveza Chamber, highlighting the project’s goals of fostering innovation, sustainability, and cross-sectoral collaboration in logistics.

One of the focal points of the event was the presentation by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, which introduced the Strategy for the Development and Modernization of the Logistics Sector in the Adrion Region. The presentation sparked a lively discussion, coordinated by the Slovenian Logistics Association, focusing on the differences in logistics challenges and needs between EU and non-EU countries in the region.

The concept of the under-establishment Adrion cross-sectoral macro-regional cluster in smart logistics, also presented by the Preveza Chamber, was discussed as a key step toward deeper regional cooperation. The workshop concluded with a summary of outcomes and next steps.

Stakeholders were also invited to express their interest in joining the project, with many acknowledging the importance of enhanced cooperation between research centres, public authorities, and private companies.

The INTERCLUSTER project aims to overcome the fragmented cluster landscape in the region by developing and testing innovative solutions that support:

• Green and digital transformation of logistics;
• Introduction of innovation and policy instruments to strengthen regional cooperation;
• Development of short and resilient supply chains.

The workshop marked an important milestone in advancing dialogue and cooperation toward a smarter, greener, and more connected logistics future for the Adrion region.

For more information about the INTERCLUSTER project, please contact:
info@competitiveskills.org or visit the ADRION programme website.

Subject: Call for Interest for the purchase of tablets within the framework of the project “Foundations for Success: Empowering Adults through Basic Skills”

Project reference: “Foundations for Success: Empowering Adults through Basic Skills”, Center for Competitive Skills, Municipality of Tirana, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP Albania, the Swedish Public Employment Service and the Albanian Foundation for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (FSHDPAK), in partnership with the National Employment and Skills Agency (AKPA).

Within the framework of the project “Foundations for Success: Empowering Adults through Basic Skills”, the Center for Competitive Skills (English: Centre for Competitive Skills ) announces the call for the purchase of tablets, as detailed below:

Mid-range tablets, with the following minimum specifications:

RAM: 4 GB

Internal storage: 64 GB

Display: between 10 and 11 inches

Processor: mid-level (e.g., quad-core or octa-core, suitable for running educational applications)

Required quantity: 20 units

Application procedures:

Applications must be in Albanian or English and contain the financial offer (A list of unit prices for each item (with and without VAT)). Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications to the email address : info@competitiveskills.org , or to the offices of the organization, where the offer should be placed in a sealed envelope, specifying:

1. Name of interested applicant
2. Address of the interested applicant;
3. The words “Not to be opened before the tender bid opening phase”

for the project “Foundations for Success: Empowering Adults through Basic Skills” , at the following address:

CENTER FOR COMPETITIVE SKILLS

Address: “Shyqyri Bërxolli” Street, Aurora Palace, 7th floor, ap.28, Tirana, Albania

Applications are accepted until 30.05.2025, by 15:00. Only applications received within this deadline will be considered.

For more information on the full tender dossier as well as the requirements and deadlines for the duration of the contract, refer to the Terms of Reference published here on the website, or request more complete information about the tender dossier at the following email address: info@competitiveskills.org

Subject: Call for Interest for banner printing within the framework of the project “Foundations for Success: Empowering Adults through Basic Skills”

Project reference: “Foundations for Success: Empowering Adults through Basic Skills”, Center for Competitive Skills, Municipality of Tirana, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP Albania, the Swedish Public Employment Service and the Albanian Foundation for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (FSHDPAK), in partnership with the National Employment and Skills Agency (AKPA).

Within the framework of the project “Foundations for Success: Empowering Adults through Basic Skills”, the Center for Competitive Skills (English: Centre for Competitive Skills ) announces the call for the printing of banners for the period May 2025 – May 2026, as detailed below:

Banner printing is required, according to the following specifications:

• Quantity: 3 pieces
• Banner dimensions: 85 x 200 cm
• Material type: PVC / Roll-up

Application procedures:

Applications must be in Albanian or English and contain the financial offer (A list of unit prices for each item (with and without VAT)). Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications to the email address : info@competitiveskills.org , or to the offices of the organization, where the offer should be placed in a sealed envelope, specifying:

1. Name of interested applicant
2. Address of the interested applicant;
3. The words “Not to be opened before the tender bid opening phase”

for the project “Foundations for Success: Empowering Adults through Basic Skills” , at the following address:

CENTER FOR COMPETITIVE SKILLS

Address: “Shyqyri Bërxolli” Street, Aurora Palace, 7th floor, ap.28, Tirana, Albania

Applications are accepted until 19.05.2025, by 15:00. Only applications received within this deadline will be considered.

For more information on the full tender dossier as well as the requirements and deadlines for the duration of the contract, refer to the Terms of Reference published here on the website, or request more complete information about the tender dossier at the following email address: info@competitiveskills.org .

Subject: Call for Interest for the Provision of Catering Services within the project “Foundations for Success: Empowering Adults through Basic Skills”

Project Reference: “Foundations for Success: Empowering Adults through Basic Skills”, Centre for Competitive Skills, Municipality of Tirana, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP Albania, the Swedish Public Employment Service, and the Albanian Foundation for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (FSHDPAK), in partnership with the National Employment and Skills Agency (ANES).

Within the framework of the project “Foundations for Success: Empowering Adults through Basic Skills,” the Centre for Competitive Skills announces the call for the provision of catering services (coffee break & lunch) for the period May – December 2025, for the following training and workshop activities:

• 144 total participants over 6 days of training and workshop for teachers (24 teachers x 6 days)
• 30 total participants over 3 days of training for psychologists and social workers (10 participants x 3 days)

Application Procedures:

Applications must be submitted in either Albanian or English and include the financial offer. Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications via email to: info@competitiveskills.org, or deliver them to the organization’s offices, where the offer should be placed in a sealed envelope with the following details:

1. Name of the interested applicant
2. Address of the interested applicant
3. The words “Do not open before the tender opening phase”

for the project “Foundations for Success: Empowering Adults through Basic Skills” to the following address:

CENTRE FOR COMPETITIVE SKILLS

Address: “Shyqyri Bërxolli” Street, Aurora Building, 7th floor, apt. 28, Tirana, Albania

Applications will be accepted until 07.05.2025, by 15:00. Only applications received within this deadline will be considered.

For further information about the full tender file as well as the requirements and deadlines for the contract duration, please refer to the Terms of Reference published here on the website or request more detailed information about the tender file at the following email address: info@competitiveskills.org.

Subject: Call for Interest for the purchase of stationery materials within the framework of the project “Foundations for Success: Empowering Adults through Basic Skills”

Project reference: “Foundations for Success: Empowering Adults through Basic Skills”, Center for Competitive Skills, Municipality of Tirana, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP Albania, the Swedish Public Employment Service and the Albanian Foundation for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (FSHDPAK), in partnership with the National Employment and Skills Agency (AKPA).

Within the framework of the project “Foundations for Success: Empowering Adults through Basic Skills”, the Center for Competitive Skills (English: Centre for Competitive Skills ) announces the call for the purchase of stationery materials for the period May 2025 – May 2026, as detailed below:

Application procedures:

Applications must be in Albanian or English and contain the financial offer (A list of unit prices for each item (with and without VAT)). Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications to the email address : info@competitiveskills.org , or to the offices of the organization, where the offer should be placed in a sealed envelope, specifying:

1. Name of interested applicant
2. Address of the interested applicant;
3. The words “Not to be opened before the tender bid opening phase”

for the project “Foundations for Success: Empowering Adults through Basic Skills” , at the following address:

CENTER FOR COMPETITIVE SKILLS

Address: “Shyqyri Bërxolli” Street, Aurora Palace, 7th floor, ap.28, Tirana, Albania

Applications are accepted until 08.05.2025 , by 15:00 . Only applications received within this deadline will be considered.

For more information on the full tender dossier as well as the requirements and deadlines for the duration of the contract, refer to the Terms of Reference published here on the website, or request more complete information about the tender dossier at the following email address: info@competitiveskills.org .

Job description and responsibilities:

• Contribute to the design and development of materials addressing psychological well-being, development of social competencies, and inclusion of vulnerable groups.
• Work with individuals and groups to support processes of education, career orientation, and social integration.
• Support the implementation of project activities, including monitoring and evaluation, with a focus on psychological and social aspects.
• Manage daily office documentation, including archiving and preparation of various materials.
• Plan and organize internal and external meetings, including agenda preparation and note-taking.
• Support project staff and office managers with administrative and operational tasks.
• Assist the Program Coordinator in implementing project activities, including planning, logistics, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Assist in developing project reports, proposals, and other written materials as needed.
• Manage our social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn), including creating and scheduling posts, responding to messages and comments, and monitoring analytics.
• Collaborate with the team to develop and maintain relationships with stakeholders, including donors, partners, and other organizations.
• Perform other duties as assigned for the smooth running of office operations, projects, and social media management.

Required qualifications and skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to the position description (psychology, social sciences, social work, education, or related fields) or equivalent work experience. A Master’s degree is preferred.
• Experience working with diverse social groups and addressing psychological and social issues is preferred.
• Previous experience in office administration or similar roles is preferred.
• Excellent organizational, management, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong knowledge of social media platforms and the ability to manage content on these platforms.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both Albanian and English.
• Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work effectively under deadline pressure.
• Proficiency in various computer programs, primarily Microsoft Office and OneDrive.

Employment conditions:

This position is based at CCS’s office in Tirana and includes travel to various districts that are part of the project.

Interested candidates must send their CV and supporting qualification documents/diplomas via email.

Application Deadline: February 23, 2025
Submission Details:

• Email: info@competitiveskills.org with the subject line: “Application for Project Assistant”
• Alternatively, applications can be submitted at our office:
  Address: Rr. “Shyqyri Bërxolli”, Aurora Building, 7th Floor, Tirana, Albania

Interview Notification: Shortlisted candidates will be notified by February 28, 2025.

(Bando 2023 Iniziative Promosse da Enti Territoriali e OSC)

In cooperation with ENGIM 

Implementation period: 02/2025 – 02/2028             

Location: Tirana, Fier, Berat, Shkoder, Korce, Albania            

SkillALB is a comprehensive skills development program aimed at strengthening vocational education and training (VET) in Albania through digital innovation, advanced career guidance services, and entrepreneurship support for young people.

This initiative will create new opportunities for at least 1,500 young people (aged 15-35) attending vocational schools and training centers or seeking job placement and self-employment financing. Additionally, it will engage at least 100 teachers, trainers, and youth workers in training and career guidance activities.

Key objectives:

Strengthening VET institutions by enhancing digital innovation and labor market adaptability.
Improving career guidance services to increase job placement effectiveness.
Expanding training and financing opportunities for young people looking to start their own businesses.

In collaboration with ENGIM, this project will empower Albanian youth with the skills they need to succeed in the labor market and entrepreneurship.

Implementation period: 12/2024 – 06/2025             

Location: 14 regions across Albania, including Berat, Diber, Durres, Elbasan, Fier, Gjirokaster, Korce, Pogradec, Kukes, Lezhe, Shkoder, Tirane, Vlore, Sarande.

The Journey Towards Employment project aims to enhance the employability and career readiness of young people across Albania by providing targeted training, psycho-social support, and labor market integration opportunities. This initiative is designed to equip unemployed youth, educators, and social service professionals with the necessary skills to drive sustainable employment solutions.

Key objectives:

400 unemployed youth (ages 15-29) will participate in employability training to enhance their job readiness.
40 VTC instructors and VET teachers will receive specialized training to improve vocational education quality.
20 psychologists and social workers will be trained in psycho-social support, ensuring holistic youth development.
A skills development program will engage 500 adolescent participants, preparing them for the workforce.
A new curriculum for VET and labor market integration will be developed and validated.
A comprehensive psycho-social support package will be implemented to assist young job seekers.
The project will be implemented in collaboration with NAES, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, and local VET institutions to create a lasting impact.

By bridging the gap between education and employment, Journey Towards Employment empowers Albanian youth with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to build a successful future.

Investing in youth today means securing a stronger workforce for tomorrow.

Financed by: EU4Innovation (EU4I) is a Multi Donor Action jointly co-financed by the European Union (EU), the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and SIDA and implemented by GIZ and SIDA

Implementation period: 12/2024 – 11/2025             

Consortia: CCS, Mihali Shahini VET school Cerrik, Gjergj Canco VET school Tirana, Luarasi University Tirana.      

This project aims to empower vocational education and training (VET) students in Tirana and Cërrik by fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital skills. Through a collaborative model between VET schools and Luarasi University, the initiative will provide hands-on learning experiences that connect education with real-world applications.

Project objectives:

Engage 500 VET students in digital innovation activities.

Establish a Genetic Seed Bank to preserve 80+ varieties of Albania’s native seeds.

Digitalize the seed bank and create an online platform developed by students.

Organize an entrepreneurship competition, encouraging students to develop business ideas related to native seeds.

Strengthen collaboration between VET institutions and University.

Integrate digital tools and innovation into vocational education.

Enhance teaching methodologies and promote an entrepreneurial culture in public VET schools.