Vocational education in Albania is entering a new phase of transformation. Beginning in the 2025–2026 school year, young people will have access to seven new dual qualifications, preparing them for the labor market through a combination of in-school learning and workplace-based training.
In this model, students spend three days per week in partner companies, gaining real-world professional experience—an approach that significantly enhances both the quality of training and their employability after graduation.
New Dual Qualifications for 2025–2026
- Civil and Industrial Electrical Installations – dual (1 year, Level III)
- Supply Chain & Logistics Management – dual (4 years, Level IV)
- Event Management – dual (1 year, Level V)
- Auto Diagnostics & Workshop Management – dual (1 year, Level V)
- Fashion Design – dual (2 years, Level V)
- Food & Beverage Service Management – dual (1 year, Level V)
- Renewable Energy – dual (1 year, Level V)
The first five qualifications were developed by the National Agency for Education, Vocational Training and Qualifications (NAVETQ) with support from Skills for Jobs (S4J) and the contribution of over 40 industry experts. These experts helped draft the occupational standards, qualification standards, and the corresponding curriculum frameworks between May and November 2025.
Contributors represent some of the country’s most reputable companies, including: BALFIN Group (Jumbo, Milsped Albania, ACREM, BALFIN Development), Marketing & Distribution, Sky Logistics, Kuehne & Nagel Albania, BEN IMPEX & CO, Geraldina Sposa, Landmark Communication, Le Spot Group, Iceberg Exhibitions, Rogner Hotel, MAK Hotel Tirana, Plaza Hotel, Hilton Garden, Anila Zajmi Atelier, Anila Konomi Atelier, Albanian Craftsman Education, Prodyn Albania, Mektrin Motors, OSHEE, KESH, and ALPEX.
The curriculum frameworks for these qualifications are available on the official NAVETQ website.
From Piloting to Expansion: The Dual Model in Action
Albania launched the dual education model in the 2024–2025 school year as part of national reforms aimed at developing human capital and aligning vocational education more closely with labor market needs.
During the first year, six dual qualifications were implemented:
- Reception – dual (1 year, Level III)
- Culinary Arts – dual (1 year, Level III)
- Accommodation Management – dual (1 year, Level V)
- Multimedia – dual (2 years, Level IV)
- Auto-electrical Services – dual (1 year, Level III)
- Installation & Maintenance of Power Lines – dual (1 year, Level III)
These programs were piloted in 10 vocational schools across 6 regions, in partnership with 114 companies, and involved 203 students supported by 124 trained mentors in the workplace.
Following this successful pilot, the dual model will expand in 2025–2026 to more schools and regions, incorporating seven new qualifications and increasing the number of students and companies engaged in hands-on professional training.
Swiss Support: A Partnership for the Future
The successful implementation and expansion of dual vocational qualifications in Albania has been made possible thanks to the Government of Switzerland, through the “Skills for Jobs” (S4J) project implemented by Swisscontact.
Switzerland remains one of Albania’s most committed long-term partners in vocational education reform, championing workplace learning as a proven model for sustainable youth integration into the labor market.