Albania’s formal vocational education system is undergoing a landmark transformation with the introduction and expansion of dual vocational education and training (VET). Inspired by Switzerland’s proven model, dual VET bridges the gap between classroom learning and workplace practice, equipping young people with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in a rapidly changing labor market.

Through this model, students generally spend three days per week in companies, gaining hands-on experience while earning remuneration, and two days in vocational schools strengthening their theoretical knowledge. This approach ensures that young people acquire both the technical competencies and soft skills needed by employers.

From Pilot to Expansion

The dual VET model was piloted in Albania during the 2024–2025 academic year, when 203 students across 10 VET schools in six regions enrolled in six qualifications delivered in partnership with 114 companies and guided by 124 trained in-company mentors.

Encouraged by the strong results and positive feedback from employers and apprentices, the dual VET offer is now expanding significantly. Starting in the 2025–2026 school year, Albanian youth will have access to seven new dual qualifications, covering some of the country’s most dynamic sectors:

• Civil and Industrial Electrical Installations – Dual (1 year, Level III)
• Supply Chain and Logistics Management – Dual (4 years, Level IV)
• Event Management – Dual (1 year, Level V)
• Vehicle Diagnostics and Management – Dual (1 year, Level V)
• Fashion Design – Dual (2 years, Level V)
• Food and Beverage Service Management – Dual (1 year, Level V)
• Renewable Energy – Dual (1 year, Level V)

Five of these new curricula were developed by the National Agency for VET and Qualifications (NAVETQ) with the support of the Skills for Jobs (S4J) project and contributions from over 40 leading companies, including BALFIN Group, Marketing & Distribution, Sky Logistics, Kuehne & Nagel Albania, Le Spot Group, Rogner Hotel, Plaza Hotel, OSHEE Group and many others.

A Broad Partnership for Reform

The implementation of dual VET is the result of a broad collaboration between Albania’s Ministry of Economy, Culture, and Innovation (MECI), the National Agency for Employment and Skills (NAES), the National Agency for VET and Qualifications (NAVETQ), the Embassy of Switzerland in Albania, UNDP’s Skills Development for Employment (SD4E) programme, and the Skills for Jobs (S4J) project. Together, these partners are laying the foundations for a modern, demand-driven vocational education system.

Swiss Support: A Partnership for the Future

At the heart of this reform lies the strong and long-term commitment of Switzerland, a key partner in Albania’s education and skills development agenda. Skills for Jobs (S4J), a project of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) implemented by Swisscontact, has been instrumental in introducing, piloting, and scaling dual VET in Albania.

By promoting work-based learning and fostering stronger school-business cooperation, Switzerland is supporting Albania in preparing a new generation of skilled professionals ready to contribute to the country’s economic and social development.

Building on the positive results, the 2025–2026 school year will see the expansion of the dual model, with more schools, regions, qualifications, and companies engaged in the professional preparation of youth.