Albania is undergoing a major transformation in vocational education with the introduction of the dual VET model, where in-school theory is combined with hands-on practice in real companies. Supported by “Skills for Jobs” (S4J) and international partners, this model is opening new pathways for young people toward employment and professional growth.
What Is Dual VET?
Dual VET blends the strengths of classroom learning with practical experience in the workplace. Students attend school for general and professional subjects, while spending a substantial portion of their weekly schedule—6 to 8 hours per day, up to 30 hours per week—learning directly from employers. Their training follows a structured activity plan and is guided by workplace mentors.
Currently, students are engaged in profiles such as:
- Multimedia
- E-Commerce
- Culinary Arts
- Reception
- Auto-electrical Services
- Installation & Maintenance of Low, Medium & High Voltage Lines
- Civil & Industrial Electrical Installations
- Supply Chain & Logistics Management
- Event Management
- Auto Diagnostics & Workshop Management
- Fashion Design
- Food & Beverage Management
- Renewable Energy
From Year One to Today: Dual VET Takes Root in Albania
The academic year 2024–2025 marked the first-ever implementation of dual VET in Albania:
- 10 vocational schools
- 6 regions
- 200+ students
- 100+ partner companies
This was a bold first step toward a model that requires close collaboration between schools and the private sector. Just one year later, dual VET has become a success story:
- 15 vocational schools
- 9 regions
- 400+ students
- 250+ partner companies
By the end of AY 2024-2025, 94% of students reported overall satisfaction with their experience in the dual VET program. Moreover, 87% of in-company mentors reported overall satisfaction with their mentoring experience. This results confirm a successful implementation of dual VET.
A Complete Transformation
The journey has been challenging but also a testament to the commitment and vision of all stakeholders. Key steps have included:
- Building a common understanding of legal aspects and responsibilities
- Establishing a new model of cooperation between schools and companies
- Supporting partner businesses through capacity-building sessions to adapt to their role as providers of practical training
Companies are now actively applying the legal framework and managing contracts for professional learning, supported by trained mentors.
Backed by the Swiss Embassy through Swisscontact’s Skills for Jobs (S4J) and UNDP Albania’s Skills Development for Employment (SD4E), dual VET is now a core part of Albania’s national strategy—built on quality, partnership, and a shared vision toward 2030 and beyond.
Strengthening Dual VET: Technical Meeting on the National Strategy
To ensure quality implementation and sustainable expansion, S4J organized a technical meeting in October with representatives from the Ministry of Economy and Innovation, the National Agency for Employment and Skills, the National Agency for Vocational Education, Training and Qualifications, the Swiss Embassy, and UNDP Albania.
Discussions focused on three key areas:
- Analysis of the first year of implementation (2024–2025), based on surveys with teachers, students, mentors, and school directors;
- Presentation of a study by Prof. Em. Dr. Dieter Euler (University of St. Gallen, Switzerland) on dual VET implementation and lessons learned;
- Next steps and definition of roles and responsibilities for consolidating the model.
The meeting played a crucial role in evaluating progress and coordinating strategic actions with partner institutions to ensure high-quality expansion of dual VET. This process is essential for turning dual education into a national standard, equipping young Albanians with harmonized practical and theoretical skills that meet labor market needs.
What Comes Next?
In the coming years, Albania aims for steady and sustainable expansion of the dual VET model through:
- Development of new curricula;
- Inclusion of more schools and companies;
- Establishment of dual VET as a national standard for vocational education.