In Albania, a country undergoing profound transformation in its education and labor systems, a new chapter in vocational education and training (VET) is taking shape. Starting in September 2025, students will be able to enroll in seven new dual qualifications that combine traditional classroom instruction with structured, real-world training in partner companies. This expansion reflects not only a pedagogical shift but a broader systemic reform, one that is strategically aligned with Albania’s goals for human capital development and economic modernization.
The dual VET model, where students alternate between school-based learning and hands-on experience in firms, was first introduced in Albania during the 2024–2025 academic year. Piloted in ten VET schools across six regions, and involving 203 students and 114 companies, the model demonstrated clear results: increased engagement, improved practical skills, and stronger ties between educational institutions and businesses.
In response to this early success, the Ministry of Finance and Economy and the National Agency for VET and Qualifications (AKAFPK) are now scaling the model nationally. In the 2025–2026 academic year, students will have access to dual qualifications in:
Each of these qualifications is tailored to growing sectors of the Albanian economy and reflects extensive consultation with over 40 companies - including BALFIN Group, Kuehne & Nagel Albania, OSHEE Group, and others, ensuring that curricula are both relevant and future-facing.
A hallmark of this reform is the co-creation process. The curricula were developed by AKAFPK, with technical and financial support from the Swiss Government through the Skills for Jobs (S4J) project, implemented by Swisscontact. Swisscontact facilitated structured collaboration between education experts and leading companies, making sure that the content of training programs reflects real labor market needs.
This participatory approach has generated institutional ownership while also fostering a shared understanding among stakeholders of what constitutes quality vocational education in a modern economy. In particular, it strengthens public-private cooperation, a core pillar of Swisscontact’s approach to systems development.
Switzerland has long been a champion of dual education, and its role in Albania’s VET reform reflects a deep commitment to long-term partnership. Through the S4J project, the Swiss Government has enabled the introduction, adaptation, and now national scaling of the dual model. Swisscontact’s technical expertise has supported capacity building in schools, training of mentors, and development of monitoring systems that will allow evidence-based policy adjustment in the years ahead.
By fostering a system where young Albanians can gain industry-relevant experience during their studies, this reform supports inclusive economic development, youth employment, and institutional resilience, that are key priorities under the SDGs and European integration agenda.
With its expansion in 2025–2026, Albania’s dual VET model is becoming policy. Backed by national institutions, co-owned by the private sector, and enabled by international partnership, it offers a sustainable blueprint for aligning education with labor market demand.