A National Conference dedicated to vocational education and training brings together actors to discuss challenges, achievements, and chart a way forward

April 12, 2022

VET Conference in Tirana

A two-day National Vocational Education and Training Conference organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Finance will bring together strategic partners in the area to take stock of the achievements, reflect on the challenges and set the stage for the building blocks of a #Skills2030 agenda.

For years now, the Government of Albania has put Vocational Education and Training (VET) at the centre of its efforts to create decent and sustainable employment opportunities and to equip young and adult citizens with the needed skills to cope with the labour market demand. Participants from the government, private sector, civil society, and development projects will present the latest debates and share hands-on experiences when it comes to the implementation of VET interventions in Albania.

The Minister of Finance and Economy, Delina Ibrahimaj, said: “The Government is highly committed not only to help boost participation of students  in education and vocational training,  but most importantly to guarantee the quality of service provided to them. It is key that we orient education and vocational training towards the real needs of the labor market and for this it is important to strengthen cooperation among all actors in this field, especially between institutions and business”.

The Swiss Ambassador in Albania, Adrian Maître said: “In order to create more and better jobs, a qualified workforce is a key factor. Youth in Albania needs to be prepared now for the professions of the future. The future of work is all about skills, and refitting education is therefore key.”

Hubert Perr, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Albania said: “A strong vocational and educational training system - in support of employability - is the key to providing better skills for Albania’s young workforce. It has all the potential to be the engine of innovation, job creation and transformative change. The EU is on the side of Albania to develop a joint vision on skills development and on the choices that Albania has to make in order to modernise its economy and its labour market in an inclusive manner.”

Monica Merino, the UNDP Albania Resident Representative, underlined: “Through our long-term partnership with the government of Switzerland, our support has helped refine and address the government’s strategic priorities in line with the EU accession agenda.  We are at a critical moment for development. The government of Albania can count on the support of UNDP to build an innovative and resilient VET system. Our aim is to equip Albania’s young generation with the necessary skills for an inclusive, green and digital future.”

The Conference will investigate a myriad of interventions. The first day will focus on the achievements of the current Employment and Skills Strategy 2022 and takeaways for the next decade. The current context of the reform calls for a redefinition of main strategic areas, focusing more on building lifelong learning opportunities for all citizens, implementing measures that foster social inclusion and territorial cohesion, and preparing the national workforce and economy to materialise the twin transition (digital and green).

During the second day of the conference, discussions will focus on the private sector engagement in the VET system and the skills needed for the future. Keynote speakers and stakeholders will engage in the discussion on how to understand VET as a collaborative task of the state and the private sector, how to motivate and onboard the private sector as an equal shareholder in the policy formulation, design of the system and delivery. Furthermore, this discussion will embark on the role of the private training providers and their contribution to skills development, with the final aim that the system of VET deploys its full potential.