S4J works closely with companies with a potential of making the VET offer as attractive as possible to students. In 2019 we collaborated with Smart Home Europe to develop and implement an elective module on Smart Home system installment at the ‘Gjergj Canco’ school in Tirana. These systems allow controlling home appliances remotely through a Smart phone or tablet and internet connection.

The program of the module was developed with specialists from the company and school teachers during workshops. The company trained twelve teachers on delivering the module. Teaching/learning materials were created by the company and adapted by teachers. S4J financed a Smart Home Systems lab with 13 posts. Smart Home System Installment will be introduced as an elective course starting from academic year 2020-2021 at ‘Gjergj Canco’ school. This will boost employment opportunities for students, as market demand for Smart Home system installation is increasing by the day.

This innovation shows once again how important it is for VET curricula to adapt to market demands. For this reason, teachers of ‘Gjergj Canco’ school recommended to the National Agency for VET and Qualifications to introduce the module in the frame-curricula as mandatory for all schools teaching this direction by replacing ‘Installation of TV and satellite antennas’ module (Electro-technics direction). It’s time to go digital!