During the first half of the year, “Skills for Jobs” (S4J) continued its efforts to enhance the quality of work-based learning in partner schools’. The intervention focuses on developing more structured, competency-based practical learning that is closely aligned with real labour market needs.
In collaboration with partner schools and businesses, S4J supports the development of clearer processes for organizing internships, strengthens the role of company mentors, and improves the monitoring of students’ progress during their placement periods. This approach aims to ensure that internships are not merely a formal component of the curriculum, but a meaningful learning and professional development experience.
Students themselves emphasize that their internships in companies have enabled them to develop technical skills, better understand workplace dynamics, and gain confidence in a real professional environment.
They also value the opportunity to learn directly from industry professionals and to engage in real work tasks, making the learning process more tangible and more relevant for their future careers.
Learn more from the students about their experiences in the videos below.
Albanian Vocational Schools Move Towards European Standards in Apprenticeships
Five vocational schools partnered with “Skills for Jobs” (S4J) have taken an important step towards improving the quality of education and expanding opportunities for their students by applying to the European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA), an EU initiative aimed at strengthening high-quality apprenticeships and closely linking education with the labour market.
With the support of the S4J project, the participating schools represent a significant step towards internationalization and improvement of standards in vocational education.
The schools that have applied are:
• “Hamdi Bushati” School, Shkodër
• Technical Economic School, Tiranë
• “Kolin Gjoka” School, Lezhë
• Commercial School, Vlorë
• “Kristo Isak” School, Berat
Participation in EAfA enables Albanian vocational schools to improve teaching standards, strengthen cooperation with businesses, and benefit from European best practices in vocational education and training.