A project of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC

Who We Are

“Skills for Jobs” (S4J) is a project of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), implemented in Albania by Swisscontact. The project aims to modernize the vocational education and training (VET) system through digitalization, innovation, and the promotion of a more inclusive and higher‑quality learning environment. S4J works to build a sustainable VET system that responds to labor market needs and offers young people real opportunities for professional growth.

The project is currently in its Phase 3 (July 2023 – June 2027), focusing on the development, consolidation, and transfer of six key innovation objects:

  • Digitalization of VET Offer   
  • Improvement of Internal Processes and Structures of VET Schools
  • Continuous Professional Development Models   
  • Business Relations and Networks   
  • Quality of Work-based Learning in Companies  
  • Diversification of Offer and Upskilling 

Within this phase, S4J is supporting the Albanian Government in implementing the dual VET initiative, a model that is becoming a powerful mechanism linking schools with the labor market. Dual VET combines theoretical learning in school with structured work in companies, equipping students with concrete competencies, real‑life experience, and a clear understanding of their chosen profession. This model is helping young people develop stronger skills, increase their employability, and build a solid foundation for their careers.

Through close collaboration with VET schools, businesses, and public institutions, S4J is contributing to establishing a modern and efficient dual education system in Albania, turning it into a driver of development for young people and for the country’s economy.

Who We Are - Skills for Jobs S4J
Vision - Skills for Jobs S4J

Vision

The main goal of ‘Skills for Jobs’ (S4J) project is to offer young people in Albania the best vocational education and training. Better skills will help young people to get a job that they love and that pays them well. 

Learn about what we do

Partners

Company

Our Team

ARGJENTINA GRAZHDANI

Swisscontact Country Director

 

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FATION DRAGOSHI

Project Manager

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ALEKA PAPA

Deputy Project Manager &

Portfolio Manager for Sustainability

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ELTON JORGJI

Key Expert for Dual VET

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MIGENA KAPLLANAJ

Key Expert for Organisational Development and Life-long Learning

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ERIOLA SHINGJERGJI

Key Expert for Digitalization of VET

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AURORA MARKU

Key Expert for Quality in Work Based Learning

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OLTJON VALISI

Key Expert for Dual VET

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JONIDA JANI

Key Expert in Business Relations, Networks and Offer Diversification

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ERKA ÇARO

Technical Backstopper

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JONA XHUFI

Communication for Development Expert

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IRMA SEMINI

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

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STELJANA SHIBA

Head of Finance for S4J Project and Country Office in Albania

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MANJOLA MARTIRI

Head of Administration for S4J Project and Country Office, and Acquisition Support for EAE

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RISELDA DANI

Senior Admin Officer (S4J Project) and Administrative and Finance Officer (EAE)

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NENSI BUSHATI

Finance Officer (S4J Project)

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EDUART DOMI

IT Support, Driver & Logistics

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Collaborators

SYABHIT SHKRELI

Consultant for Creativity and Communication

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PAMELA META

Consultant

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Beneficiaries

Results to Date

  • ACCESS TO VET

    17177 students benefitted from the S4J project

    (In Shkodra, Lezha, Tirana, Elbasan, Vlora and Berat)

  • MORE VET GRADUATES GETTING EMPLOYED 

    One year after graduation, 71% of graduates in 2024 were employed or self-employed compared to 34% in 2016.

  • HIGHER EMPLOYMENT AMONG FEMALE VET GRADUATES

    The share of female VET graduates working reached 47.1% in 2024 compared to 32% in 2019.

  • FASTER SCHOOL TO WORK TRANSITION

    71.8% of graduates in 2024 found jobs before graduation, and 89% secured employment within three months.

  • FASTER SCHOOL TO WORK TRANSITION

    71.8% of graduates in 2024 found jobs before graduation, and 89% secured employment within three months.

  • HIGHER JOB RELEVANCE

    54.8% of 2024 graduates now work in more relevant jobs, demonstrating improved alignment with their study direction.

  • SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS RELATIONS

    1142 companies collaborate with project’s partner institutions since Phase 1, hosting students and trainees in apprenticeships and internships. More businesses engage in VET delivery also through participation in level exams, delivering lectures, and storytelling sessions.

  • MORE STUDENTS IN APPRENTICESHIPS

    12,853 learners were engaged in company-based work-based learning (apprenticeships) across 10 VET providers since Phase 2.

  • DUAL VET PROGRAMS EXTENDING

    203 students enrolled in Dual Vet programs (12 classes), where 94% of students were satisfied with their experience in the dual education program (AY 2024-25).

    10 VET providers were supported in establishing and implementing DUAL VET programs (6 regions – Tirana, Durres, Vlore, Shkoder, Lezhe, Elbasan) during AY 2024-25.

  • DUAL VET QUALIFICATIONS IMPLEMENTED

    5 dual VET qualifications implemented: Kitchen – Electro-Auto Services – Reception – Multimedia – Installation and Maintenance of Low, Medium, and High Voltage Lines

  • DUAL VET PROGRAMS DELIVERED

    124 in-company mentors engaged in the delivery of Dual VET programs (to deliver quality mentoring within companies). 87% were satisfied with their overall experience as mentors in AY 2024 -25

  • BIG COMPANIES ENGAGED IN DUAL VET

    A total of 114 companies in Albania have signed MoUs and were collaborating with S4J partner providers to deliver Dual VET programs.

  • INTENSIFYING DIALOGUE BETWEEN VET PROVIDERS AND COMPANIES

    Business representatives from different industries are contributing towards an improved VET offer through local dialogue roundtables with businesses organized each year.

  • IMPROVED AND STRATEGIC INSTITUTIONAL MANAGEMENT

    10 partner providers were supported to enhance mid-term and annual planning through mentoring and coaching.

  • CONSOLIDATED DEVELOPMENT UNITS

    Enhanced partner providers’ DUs and internal structures through tailored coaching and experience-sharing. In AY 2024-25, 70% of students across six S4J partner providers reported being satisfied with the quality of services offered by the DUs.

  • SUPPORTING MODERNIZATION OF ALBANIAN VET

    Supported the design and implementation of “e-VET@Albania 2030 – A Roadmap to ICT-supported modernization of Albanian VET”, as part of the National Strategy 2023 – 2030.

  • INNOVATION IN THE TEACHING AND LEARNING PROCESS

    A cumulative of 18,766 users on the MesoVET platform. MesoVET Mobile Application was launched and made available for use for Android and iOS users with offline function included.

     

  • MODERN INFRASTRUCTURE

    Conducting infrastructure investments based on needs and opportunities, including 77 blended learning classrooms.

Swisscontact

Swisscontact is an independent, business-oriented Swiss organization aiming international development cooperation. Represented in 36 countries, with 123 projects and over 1100 employees, it has been promoting economic, social and environmental development since 1959.

Swisscontact Worldwide - Skills for Jobs S4J

FAQ

Skills for Jobs (S4J) is a project of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), implemented in Albania by Swisscontact. Its goal is to modernize Albania’s vocational education and training (VET) system by promoting digitalization, innovation, stronger partnerships with businesses, and high-quality, inclusive learning. The project supports the development of a sustainable VET system that equips young people with the skills needed for employment and responds to labor market needs.

In its third phase (2023–2027), S4J focuses on consolidating and scaling successful models within the VET system, including dual VET, strengthening partnerships with businesses, work-based learning, and improving vocational education offerings.

Skills for Jobs currently works with 11 partner vocational education and training (VET) providers across six regions of Albania: Tirana, Shkodra, Lezha, Elbasan, Dibra, Berat, Korca and Vlora.

The S4J network recently expanded with four additional vocational schools: “Nazmi Rushiti” school in Dibra, “Stiliano Bandilli” school in Berat, Technical School in Korca, and “Arben Broci” school in Shkodra.

Partner schools have been supported in:

  • developing partnerships with businesses;
  • implementing work-based learning and professional practice in companies;
  • improving management processes;
  • applying new teaching methodologies;
  • developing dual VET programmes.

Dual VET is a model in which students combine theoretical learning at school with practical experience in companies. In this model, a significant part of the training takes place in real workplace environments, under the guidance of business professionals and practical training instructors. In Albania, the Dual VET model typically involves students spending two days per week at school for theoretical instruction and three days per week in a business environment for practical training.

This model creates a stronger link between schools and the labour market, enabling young people to acquire practical professional skills, work experience, and better preparation for employment. At the same time, businesses contribute to developing a skilled workforce aligned with their needs.

Vocational education provides young people with the opportunity to develop practical and professional skills by combining theoretical learning with hands-on training. Through a balanced approach of classroom instruction and workplace experience, students gain the knowledge and competences required for their chosen profession.

Students acquire practical skills with continuous support and guidance from experienced professionals in their field, learning directly from real workplace environments. From an early stage, they are introduced to the labour market and benefit from the experience and mentorship of successful business representatives.

Vocational education opens pathways to quality employment, competitive salaries, career advancement, and opportunities to progress into supervisory and managerial roles. Through practical experience, young people discover their interests and strengths, enabling them to make more informed career choices.

Graduates are better prepared to enter the workforce or become self-employed in professions that match their skills and qualifications. At the same time, vocational education provides a strong foundation—both theoretical and practical—for those who wish to continue their studies at higher education level.

The demand for qualified professionals across different industries is constantly growing. The modernization and digitalization of the economy require skilled young professionals who combine technical knowledge with practical experience.

In Albania, vocational education is supported by countries with strong vocational training traditions, such as Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. These countries have long recognized vocational education as a key pathway for developing both professional competencies and essential life skills.

VET institutions that are partners of the Skills for Jobs (S4J) project have developed extensive networks of partner companies, including some of the most successful businesses in their regions, which provide long-term apprenticeship opportunities for students.

Based on the apprenticeship model developed by S4J, students receive continuous career guidance from both school and business mentors. This support helps them identify their skills, interests, and strengths, while exploring the educational pathways and career opportunities that best match their abilities.

Students are also supported throughout the apprenticeship application process. During the Apprenticeship Fair organized by the school, they have the opportunity to meet different companies, learn more about available opportunities, and participate in interviews.

Once the cooperation agreement is signed between the student’s parent/guardian, the school, and the company, the student can begin their apprenticeship in the business environment, gaining valuable practical experience and professional skills.

Partner institutions of the “Skills for Jobs” (S4J) project have been supported with the necessary infrastructure and digital technologies to implement modern teaching approaches that combine face-to-face instruction with online learning.

Several vocational schools have established blended learning classrooms and infotheques (computer-equipped learning spaces), where students can work on online projects, access digital resources, and engage in more interactive learning experiences.

The MesoVET platform, developed by the project, enables distance learning and is continuously enriched with new digital learning materials to support both teachers and students.

The use of the platform increased significantly, extending beyond S4J partner schools and being adopted by other vocational education and training institutions across Albania.