Effective labour market policy, quality vocational education and training (VET) and social inclusion and cohesion are all crucial elements in strengthening labour markets and, in turn, promoting economic growth. Our project in Albania helped the country’s institutions acquire the necessary skills to put these elements in place.

Improved policies for employment

We developed the HR Management Strategy and Capacity Development plans to help the National Agency for Employment and Skills implement the new service models. We carried out an extensive training needs analysis to identify key priorities and steps and developed a system to respond to the training needs with qualified personnel. We helped the national agency publicise the new models and engage with relevant actors through a strategic approach to communication and an effective outreach plan.

 Youth in action

We set up a working group of representatives from relevant ministries and helped it create a plan to get young people into the workforce. The resulting Youth Guarantee Implementation Plan aims to train 60,000 young people not yet in the workforce and address their skills gaps. We also developed plans for new approached and initiatives as part of this important reform, including identifying financial needs and finding ways to raise the funds required.

Vocational education as the key to the future

We developed an HR Management Model for public VET institutions, including an HR Management Manual and a Development Plan to improve outcomes for more than 18,000 students by increasing the involvement, empowerment and motivation of teachers.  We supported 46 public vocational education institutions by establishing an assets database, assets management and investment plans and a management information system to them help coordinate their VET activities.

 Making a difference on the ground

We organised training, capacity-building activities and events for over 600 stakeholders from the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the National Agency for Employment and Skills, employment offices and VET schools to inform them about the new strategies and plans and to help them identify the actions they needed to take in their own fields.

We also organised a skills fair in the Durres region, making jobseekers aware of more 1,500 vacancies.