Various industry associations are committed in collaborating with S4J’s partner VET schools and are concretely contributing to improving school offer as well as student apprenticeships in companies they represent.

Proexport is the official representative of the clothing and footwear industry in Albania, representing 700 active factories throughout the country. In September, Mr. Florian Zekja, a member of the Proexport board, visited Technical-Economic School in Tirana to get acquainted with school staff, environment and offer. During discussions with school and S4J representatives, Mr. Zekja stressed the necessity of adapting the VET offer according to the needs of the regional economy. To achieve this, vocational education schools must adapt to the specialties of each region, as well as invest in curricula and labs. Mr. Zekja praised works of Textile-Garments students during his visit to the styling cabinet.

Technical-Economic School in Tirana also hosted Mrs. Mimoza Hajdarmataj, Secretary General of the Insurance Association. This association collaborates with S4J partner VET schools for the improvement of the “Insurance” profile, students’ apprenticeships in insurance companies represented by the association, as well as for the financial education of young people and teachers’ trainings. During the meeting, the need for informing insurance companies on this profile’s offer and potential was discussed.

The General Secretary of the Union of Albanian Producers, Mr. Arben Shkodra, met with S4J Project Manager, Mr. Fation Dragoshi, and the general managers of “Kraco” and “Megatek”, partner companies of vocational “Gjergj Canco” school. This was the first of a series of meetings that are expected in the future, aiming the exchange of opinions with manufacturing industries to promote employment and skills of VET students.