The project is implemented by UNICEF Albania, in partnership with the Centre for Competitive Skills (CCS), and focuses on strengthening the capacities of schools, teachers, school leaders and career guidance coordinators to provide a more structured, inclusive and practical approach to students’ skills development. The project will be implemented over 18 months and will focus on 30 upper secondary schools in selected municipalities across Albania.

At the core of the project are key 21st-century skills, including critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity and digital skills. These skills are essential for preparing young people for further education, employment and active participation in society. The project aims to support their integration into teaching and learning processes through digital modules, practical tools, teacher training and school-based support.

A key component of the project is the development and implementation of a structured career guidance model in schools. This model will help students better understand their skills, interests and opportunities, and support them in making informed decisions about their education and professional pathways. The project will also promote stronger cooperation between schools, employment offices, higher education institutions, businesses and local communities.

Through its activities, the project will support:

• the development of digital modules on life skills;
• the training of teachers, school leaders and career guidance coordinators;
• the strengthening of teacher and career guidance networks;
• the development of a structured school-based career guidance model;
• awareness-raising and cooperation activities with labour market actors;
• the provision of technological equipment packages for selected schools.

The project places a strong emphasis on inclusion, equity and unbiased access to career information. It aims to support all students, including those from smaller municipalities, communities with fewer opportunities and more vulnerable backgrounds, by improving their access to skills, information and development opportunities.

At a broader level, the project contributes to the modernisation of pre-university education in Albania and supports the country’s alignment with European integration priorities, particularly in the fields of education, skills, employment and human capital development.

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.

In the second phase of the project, the Early Warning System (EWS) and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programs will continue to be implemented in 12 vocational education and training schools in the regions of Tirana, Vlora, and Shkodra in Albania. This phase aims to consolidate and expand the results achieved in the first phase by sustainably reducing dropout rates and addressing challenges related to youth who are Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET).

The project will focus on building the capacities of teaching staff and support structures through advanced training and continuous mentoring on the implementation of EWS and SEL. The training of 250 teachers and education staff is planned and continuation of work to develop inclusive strategies to support students at risk, as well as to design individualized dropout prevention plans.

Another focus of the second phase is strengthening institutional ownership and sustainability of interventions through small grants to schools, for the implementation of community-based dropout prevention projects, grounded in the needs and ideas of the school communities.

The implementation of the Early Warning System and Social Emotional Learning programs strengthens schools’ capacities to identify and support students at risk by creating a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. This intervention responds to the need for a more sustainable vocational education system, closely linked to the needs of the labor market and society.

This project is implemented in close collaboration with key institutional actors such as the National Agency for Vocational Education and Training (NAVETQ) and the National Agency for Vocational Education (AKPA).

Expected Results:

• Training and mentoring over 250 education staff on EWS and SEL
• Development of individualized dropout prevention plans for students at risk
• Implementation of inclusive strategies to support students at risk
• Integration of EWS into schools’ self-evaluation and accreditation processes
• Strengthening institutional cooperation with NAES, NAVETQ, and other stakeholders
• Provision of small grants to schools for implementing community projects

Beneficiaries:

• Over 250 trained and mentored education staff (general and vocational teachers, psychologists, social workers, school leaders)
• VET students at risk of dropping out, involved in individual plans and support activities
• Public institutions (NAES, NAVETQ) with strengthened capacities to integrate EWS/SEL in the system

Documents developed to support the project:

• Training curricula for EWS and SEL
• Training and implementation manual for the system
• Tools for self-monitoring and quality assessment of implementation in schools
• Model packages for school projects focusing on EWS and SEL
• Financial mechanism for distributing small grants

Expected achievements:

• Development of a functional and transferable model for implementing EWS and SEL in vocational education
• Creation of sustainable structures within schools to identify and support students at risk of dropping out
• Increased attendance and improved emotional and academic well-being of youth in vocational schools
• Development of institutional cooperation with coordinated approaches between schools and national vocational education authorities

The training includes the development of a practical and easy-to-implement approach for the preparation and assessment of mentors, an introductory training for 15 VET teachers as lead instructors, and the certification of 40 mentors from participating companies. This intervention aims to contribute to the development of a national model for in-company mentor training, as an integral part of the dual VET system in Albania.

The in-company mentor preparation program for dual VET in Albania, implemented by the Center for Competitive Skills, is supported by the Regional Challenge Fund — an instrument of the Western Balkans 6 Chamber Investment Forum (WB6-CIF) — with the goal of fostering cooperation between the vocational education system and the private sector in the region.

Duration: March – April 2025

The objective of this program is to strengthen the work-based learning component of dual vocational education in Albania through the training and certification of in-company mentors and the development of a sustainable training model based on strong cooperation between education and business.

Expected outcomes of the training include:

The development of a pragmatic and easy-to-implement approach for training and assessing in-company mentors, covering the modules and learning outcomes defined in the official curriculum of December 2024 (Code: PK-Y-3-24);

The formation of a group of 15 VET teachers as mentor trainers, capable of expanding and sustaining mentor training within companies;

The training and certification of 40 qualified in-company mentors, selected from partner companies participating in the dual VET pilot during the 2024/2025 academic year;

The collection and documentation of lessons learned from the implementation of this training measure, along with concrete recommendations for improving and scaling the mentor training model, with the aim of integrating it as a core component of the national dual VET system in Albania.

Why is this project important?

This project plays a critical role in improving the alignment between vocational education and the real needs of the labor market in Albania. By training and certifying in-company mentors, it strengthens the practical element of dual education, helping young people acquire relevant skills and hands-on experience. The initiative also creates stronger opportunities for sustainable employment and supports capacity development among companies and educational institutions, contributing to the country’s broader economic and social development.

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.

(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.

Promoting Interregional logistic clustering in Adrion Area

Financed by: Interreg VI-B IPA ADRION Programme 2021-27

Implementation period: 09/2024 – 09/2027

Priority Axis 1: Supporting a Smarter Adriatic and Ionian Region

Specific Objective 1.1: Strengthening innovation capacities in the Adriatic and Ionian Region

The ADRION area faces significant limitations in logistics systems and services, hindering the efficient exchange of goods within the region. The absence of last-mile connections between ports, intermodal terminals, and logistics centers disrupts the local logistic chains’ overall capacity. Additionally, the region’s clusters are underdeveloped, as research centers, public authorities, and private companies fail to leverage the benefits of cooperation fully.

Project Objectives and Expected Changes

Our project aims to address these challenges by enhancing the sustainability, innovation, and internationalization of the logistic sector in the ADRION area. The overarching goal is to establish a Smart & Sustainable Macro-regional Cluster based on the 4helix model. By doing so, we expect to modernize the logistic sector, foster collaboration among key stakeholders, and promote environmentally friendly practices.

Objectives include strengthening links among logistic SMEs, academia, and public authorities, promoting technology transfer, supporting internationalization, introducing eco-friendly services, and building capacity to establish smart, sustainable clusters.

Project budget: 1.712.226,00 €

INTERREG funding: 1.455.392,10 €

Partners:

• Preveza Chamber / Euricon, Greece
• Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
• Airports of Puglia S.p.A., Italy
• National confederation of crafts and small andmedium-sized enterprises association, Bari province, Italy
• Institute for Sustainable Development, Slovenia
• Slovenian Logistic Association, Slovenia
• Foreign Trade Chamber of Bosnia and Herzegovina
• University of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Centre for Competitive Skills, Albania
• Ministry of agriculture and rural development, Albania
• Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia

Project social media:

Project website: ipa-adrion

Leaflet:

Other news:

Implementation period: 07/2022 – 07/2023

Financed by: UNICEF Albania

Over a timespan of two years, our project has made significant steps in engaging youth and promoting Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Albania. We targeted two key groups: 9th-grade students with the aim of introducing them to VET and 10th-grade low-performing students already enrolled in VET to enhance their integration and reduce dropout rates.

“Skills Boost Camps”

In July 2022, CCS launched the “Skills Boost” camps in Tirana and Korca districts. Welcoming over 150 youngsters that finished 9^th grade, these camps served as incubators of creativity and skill development, by providing hands-on experiences in VET subjects like cooking and sewing, career orientation sessions, and opportunities for personal growth through activities such as communicating through arts, sports tournaments, IT workshops and much more. Guest speakers, such as the singer Marsela Cibukaj, added a touch of inspiration to career orientation sessions, by sharing the challenges, lessons, and skills necessary for a successful career.

“The VET Days”

Transitioning into the second year, the focus shifted to 250 9th-grade students enrolled in secondary education schools across the project areas. Through “The VET Days,” students visited professional schools’ ground, engaged in mini-courses, and interacted with teachers and former students. This immersive exposure to VET education encouraged many students to consider enrolling, thus contributing to their academic and personal development. VET days have been embraced with enthusiasm both from secondary and professional schools representing a model to be followed and multiplied at a larger scale. 

“Skills Boost Weekends“

At the heart of this project are the “Skills Boost Weekends”, that have had the largest impact and reverberation thought VET schools. Implemented in 19 schools in 7 districts of Albania, this component of the project targeted around 1000 10^th grade students in 7 districts of Albania. In a series of colourful activities carried out both in Albania’s beautiful touristic attractions, and in schools, students immersed in activities that combined subjects as language and communication, math, and ICT with career orientation discussions, softs skills focus group discussions, environmental protection and voluntary work, hands-on workshops, including bicycle days maintenance, which propelled students towards personal growth, stronger connection with peers and educators, and increased involvement and desire to attend school.

Impact Beyond the Classroom

The project’s impact extended beyond confines of school walls of the participating schools, fostering collaboration among educators, students, parents, businesses, municipal and educational institutions, and the local community. Improved group dynamics and communication skills among students and teachers is but one of the many positive outcomes of our approach. Together, we hope to have provided a model that the schools can replicate for a more integrated and empowered generation of youth in Albania.

Beneficiaries:

• +250 9^th grade students have participated in the VET Days aimed at familiarising and promoting VET education.
• Two ‘Skill Boost Camps’ organised and Korca and Tirane with the participation of around 150 9^th grade students.
• +330 Skill Boost Weekend activities organised to date within the school grounds, businesses, cultural and historical sites, museums, natural parks, nature etc. 
• +1400 10^th grade VET students have participated at least once in the Skill Boost Weekends, to date.
• +40 VET teachers trained in program implementation and identifying and addressing behaviours related to trauma in students.
• +40 Secondary Education and VET teachers trained in program implementation for the VET Schools Days
• 21 VET schools in 7 regions
• 6 Secondary Education schools from 3 regions
• +15 experts on education, Career orientation, environment, arts, psychology, sports, and green mobility involved.

Designed documents:

• Program in modules for the development of VET student’s basic skills.
• Guidelines for testing practical learning experiences of 9th grade Secondary Education students in VET schools.

Achievements:

• In the first year of implementation of the project, about 90% of students have had positive changes in the psycho-emotional aspect: they are friendlier, more communicative with their teachers and peers.
• Also, 86% of students have had positive changes in school attendance. None of the students involved in the project has left school.
• 79% of students have improved basic digital skills in the use of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, the use of computers for collecting and processing information, etc.
• 75% of students have improved basic communication skills through self-presentation, interpersonal communication, graphics, PowerPoint, photos, and videos, etc.
• 79% of students have improved basic mathematical skills in using measurement units, calculating the costs of a trip, or a meal, etc.