Digital, professional and entrepreneurial skills for Albanian youth employment

SkillALB aims to improve the employability of vulnerable young people by enhancing their professional, digital, entrepreneurial, and life skills, while supporting the vocational education and training (VET) along three key areas:

• increasing its capacity for digital innovation, social inclusion, and responsiveness to the real needs of the labour market through investments in equipment, teacher upskilling, and the testing of innovative methodologies;
• integrating best international practices for career guidance and dual training in the school-to-work transition through strategic partnerships with the private sector;
• fostering innovative businesses led by young people through training, incubation andnetworking services.

The action is implemented in partnership with AKPA (National Agency for Employment and Skills), which guarantees sustainability to the activities developed within the project; with 5 local CSOs (Center for Competitive Skills, Albanian Skills, Junior Achievement Albania, Qendra Sociale Murialdo and QFP Shen Jozefi Punetor Rreshen) who have developed good practices in the fields of training, job placement and business start-up thanks to their many years of experience; finally, representing the entrepreneurial component of the Italian system, with the Albanian and Romagna delegations of Confindustria.

Capacity Building

SkillALB strengthens the capaciticies of the VET system in the regions of Tirana, Shkodra, Korça, Berat, Fier and Lezha by investing in people, equipment and innovation. The project enhances teachers’ digital and pedagogical competences, modernizes school laboratories, and promotes inclusive learning approaches for young people from vulnerable groups, transforming VET into a dynamic and attractive pillar of Albania’s sustainable development in key economic sectors such as tourism, agriculture, mechanics and ICT.

Over 4,000 young people benefit from these opportunities to grow professionally, personally, and socially, turning vocational education into a source of opportunity, resilience, and hope for a new generation choosing to grow—and stay—in Albania.

Strategic Alliances

SkillALB promotes a stronger and more connected ecosystem for youth training and employment by reinforcing the dual system that bridges education and the private sector. The project draws on the Italian model of work-based learning, where companies become active partners in the formative process, sharing the responsibility for equipping young people with practical and professional skills. This approach creates synergy between education and the the private sector, ensuring that vocational training directly responds to labour market needs and contributes to Albania’s sustainable economic growth.

A dedicated pilot fund for paid apprenticeships offers 140 young people the chance to combine classroom learning with real work experience, while engaging companies in the professional growth of skilled, motivated trainees. This mechanism builds trust and long-term collaboration between training centres and businesses, strengthening local economies and improving school-to-work transitions.

Within this framework, SkillALB also invests in early guidance by collaborating with upper primary schools to orient pupils toward vocational pathways. Through visits, mentoring and experiential activities, students and families gain a clearer understanding of how technical education can lead to meaningful careers and entrepreneurship opportunities in their own regions. This early engagement helps prevent school dropout, fosters self-awareness and positions VET providers as pivotal actors in a broader chain of social, educational and economic development.

Empower Ideas

SkillALB fuels youth innovation by providing training, mentorship and funding opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs. The program supports 40 young innovators through incubation cycles focused on business planning, financial management and marketing strategies. Participants receive tailored coaching to transform their ideas into viable startups, develop prototypes and navigate the challenges of launching and scaling a business in sectors such as tourism, agri-food, ICT and green economy. Beyond funding, participants engage in networking events and international fairs, building partnerships with Italian and European investors. The project nurtures an entrepreneurial mindset that values creativity, resilience and collaboration, turning ideas into impact for Albania’s future economy.