Denis Tahiri
In 2017, the Albanian government promised to build vocational schools in every municipality of the country. However, eight years later, the situation shows a clear failure to achieve this objective. Out of 61 municipalities, only 19 have functional vocational schools, and their number has decreased from 35 in 2021 to 31 in 2024. Moreover, most of these schools fail to meet the needs of the labor market in the country, pushed many young people towards emigration.
According to the Ministry of Finance, vocational schools suffer from a lack of infrastructure and uniform profiles, which often correspond more to the needs of the labor market abroad than to the domestic one. Education experts emphasize the lack of a national strategy and appropriate investments to strengthen this sector.
A concrete example is AS, a young man from Saranda who, after graduating from vocational school in the "Hotel-Tourism" branch, was forced to change direction and emigrate for a more economically stable life. This case illustrates the failure of the system to connect vocational education with the labor market.
Experts, such as Ndriçim Mehmeti, suggest creating a comprehensive strategy that includes studying the labor market, setting up a portal for professional needs and fostering partnerships between schools and businesses to ensure graduate employment. Mehmeti also suggests state support for businesses that employ these young people through tax breaks.
While vocational education in Albania faces many challenges, the need for reforms and support seems more important than ever. Currently, the lack of qualified employees, especially in the tourism sector, is a major problem that requires immediate solutions.
The main findings of the research:
- The broken promise: Out of 61 municipalities, only 19 have functional vocational schools in 2024.
- The decrease in the number of schools: From 35 in 2021 to 31 in 2024.
- Lack of employment: Many graduates fail to find work in Albania and are forced to emigrate.
- Expert tips: A national strategy is required to link vocational education with the needs of the labor market and to provide institutional support.
Read the full article: https://ina.media/2024/12/13/shkollat-profesionale-mes-nevojes-dhe-mungeses-se-planifikimit/
