Implementation period: December 2025 – July 2026

Regions: Tirane, Vlore, Sarande, Shkoder, durres, Elbasan, Berat

As part of ongoing efforts to enhance the quality and sustainability of dual vocational education and training (VET) in Albania, the project is developing and implementing a comprehensive system for the training, certification, and support of in-company mentors.

A standardized national training programme is being designed to equip mentors with the skills needed to effectively guide and support trainees in real workplace environments. This will be complemented by a practical mentor manual and toolbox, providing day-to-day guidance and ensuring consistency in mentoring practices across sectors.

To ensure quality and recognition, assessment and certification procedures are being established, enabling mentors to be formally evaluated and certified. Through this process, the project aims to train and certify 200–300 in-company mentors, ensuring that dual VET programmes are supported by qualified professionals in the workplace.

In parallel, the project is working to build a sustainable system by conducting a rapid assessment of institutional capacities and developing a delivery chain manual and a national capacity development plan. These tools will define roles, responsibilities, and processes, enabling VET providers and governing bodies to institutionalize and scale up mentor training nationwide.

Furthermore, a training programme for trainers (ToT) is being developed, aiming to establish a pool of around 100 trained staff, including trainers, master trainers, and administrative personnel, to ensure long-term sustainability and system ownership.

Overall, the project is expected to lay a strong foundation for a more structured, coordinated, and sustainable approach to in-company mentoring within the dual VET system, contributing to improved quality of training and stronger alignment with labor market needs.

Partners and stakeholders

The meetings involved both public and private actors, who are expected to play a crucial role in the development of the project and in achieving its outcomes:

• Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Tirana – representing businesses and promoting cooperation with logistics companies.
• Institute of Logistics – providing academic expertise and technical knowledge in supply chain management.
• Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport – coordinating policies and transport infrastructure.
• Ministry of Agriculture – integrating logistics into the agri-food sector.
• Private logistics companies such as Dimant Logistics – contributing business practices and innovation on the ground.

Partners are expected to actively support innovation and technology transfer, implement green and sustainable practices, promote SME internationalization, share knowledge and data, and organize events, training, and networking opportunities. They will also contribute in digital platforms and applications, including the e-Networking & Business Support Platform, and two smart apps: “Warehouses & Logistic Centers” (matching supply and demand) and “Optimal Route Planner” (route optimization for SMEs).

Project significance

The project is particularly important given the current state of logistics infrastructure in the region. The consultative meetings conducted under Intercluster serve as a strategic foundation for the initiative’s success. They create a network of cooperation, align best practices, and strengthen local capacities, contributing not only to logistics development but also to the geopolitical, economic, and cultural progress of participating countries.

Core strategic principles

To achieve its goals, the project is based on several strategic principles:

1. Coordinated Investments – developing multimodal and smart transport and storage infrastructure.
2. Development of Last-Mile Connections – optimizing transport to efficiently reach the final consumer.
3. Low-Emission Logistics – reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability.
4. Cross-Sector Cooperation – integrating business, academia, public sector, and civil society for sustainable results.

Project objectives and impacts

The project aims to create a comprehensive and sustainable logistics ecosystem, strengthening SMEs, promoting digitalization, and improving international market access for companies in the ADRION region. Close collaboration between businesses, academia, and public institutions is expected to lay the foundations for a modern, competitive, and integrated logistics sector.

At the same time, the initiative will indirectly impact the region’s geopolitical, economic, and cultural development by increasing political stability, economic competitiveness, and professional and cultural exchange among participating countries. This combination of logistics strategy with broader regional goals makes Intercluster a key project for coordinated and long-term development in the ADRION area.

Subject: Call for Interest for poster 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 posters for the period May 2025 – May 2026, as detailed below:

Poster printing is required, according to the following specifications:

• Quantity: 22 pieces
• Poster dimensions: 50 x 70 cm

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 .