At ‘Skills for Jobs’ S4J, we believe that establishing close links between vocational schools and businesses is essential to establish a strong vocational education and training system, as well as the first step towards a sustainable economy. For this reason, we feel very enthusiastic whenever new companies pledge to cooperate with the VET institutions supported by the project.

On May 25, 2018, the 297^th Memorandum of Understanding was signed between a private sector company and a school supported by the ‘Skills for Jobs’ S4J project.

To date, about 300 private companies are offering apprenticeships for vocational school students. Until May 2018, private companies have enabled the engagement of 716 students in apprenticeships. The network continues to expand rapidly. From 28 partner businesses in February this year, ‘Hamdi Bushati’ vocational high school in Shkodra managed to conclude a total of 39 agreements by May. 4 new companies are supporting the Commercial School in Vlora since May, bringing the number of partners to this school to 69.

For the next academic year, work is under process to increase the number of businesses to accommodate a generation of students in the 10th grade that is expected to exceed 1,000.

The Albanian Apprenticeship Alliance continues to grow. During the ‘Skills Fair’, which was held in April, 12 new companies joined the mission of this body to strengthen the provision of quality apprenticeships in Albania. The goal is that, within the first phase of the project, the number of the alliance members reaches over 50.